Blackrock, Co. Louth, 1937 – A kiss that made international headlines.
It is almost impossible to imagine today, but in 1937 a young Scottish woman was sentenced to one month in prison; her crime was for kissing her boyfriend on church property, in Blackrock, Co. Louth. Her name was Ms Julia Clarke, and she came from Glasgow, Scotland.
The local vigilance committee was reportedly outraged by the incident, and the matter eventually came before the court in Dundalk. Ms Clarke received a month’s prison sentence, while her boyfriend was ordered to contribute £2 (40 Shillings) to the St Vincent de Paul Society.
[Note: In 1937, the minimum weekly wage for a male agricultural labourer in Ireland, aged over 20 years was 1 pound and 4 shillings (or 24 shillings) for 54 hours work. Employers frequently provided room and board, which they were legally allowed to deduct from these cash payments at the rate of 1 shilling and 11 pence per day.]
Fortunately for Ms Julia, she had already returned to Glasgow, and thus the prison sentence was never served. And what was her crime again? Simply kissing a young man! The case attracted international attention and became an extraordinary example of the strict moral attitudes prevailing in Ireland at that time.
How times have changed!
Today, a kiss between newly-weds is a familiar and joyful sight at church weddings. In many wedding ceremonies, the words “You may kiss the bride”, are among the most eagerly anticipated of the entire celebration. Although note, the kiss is not formally part of every church’s marriage rite, it has become a cherished tradition at countless weddings.
The contrast is remarkable.
In 1937, a young woman could receive a prison sentence for kissing her boyfriend on church grounds. Today, couples regularly exchange a kiss in front of family, friends and clergy as an expression of love and commitment.
But Holy Ireland was not alone in punishing public affection.
(1) As recently as 2010, two British people received one-month prison sentences in Dubai, following allegations of kissing in a restaurant.
(2) In 2009, a woman in Bahrain was jailed for 20 days following an incident involving kissing in public and an argument with police.
(3) In 2017, a couple in Tunisia received prison sentences after being found kissing in a car, although their convictions also involved other allegations.
(4) In 2026, a young couple in Aceh, latter a western province of Indonesia, were publicly caned after being convicted of kissing during a livestream.
The above cases remind us that attitudes towards public affection have varied enormously across different societies – and that freedoms we now take for granted are not universal.
Returning to Blackrock, Co Louth, it is fascinating to think that a simple kiss in a seaside village in County Louth could once cause such an international sensation. Nearly 90 years later, Ms Julia Clarke’s story offers a striking reminder of just how much Irish society has changed.
From a prison sentence for a kiss to a kiss celebrated at a wedding – what a difference a few generations can make! And perhaps the greatest irony of all is that the original kiss took place on church property. What would the authorities of 1937 make of the Ireland we know today?
Warning: Here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary local romantics are still advised to exercise extreme caution, particularly around the areas of Liberty Square and church properties. While back in 1937, a kiss could land you in prison; here in Thurles today, a kiss could end up in marriage and according to some married men, that’s a life sentence with no possibility of parole!
So for God’s sake, if visiting in Thurles, do try to control yourselves.
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