Overblown prose undermines a peek into an eventful year

History: Ireland 1963: A Year of Marvels, Mysteries, Merriment and Misfortune, By Kevin C Kearns, Gill Books, €25.30

Tony Ruane was determined to get up close and personal with the Beatles when they played in Dublin on November 7, 1963. Although the 22-year-old garda was not on duty that evening, he put on his uniform anyway and managed to sneak backstage at the Adelphi Cinema.

“And I did get to meet them!” he ...