A New Single Sheds Light on the Recession’s Impact on Irish Youth
The recent release of a new single by CMAT has sparked conversations across Ireland, particularly among those who grew up during the economic downturn. The track, titled Euro-Country, features lyrics that reflect the struggles of children born during the boom but raised in the bust. These lines have resonated deeply with many who lived through the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath.
One of the most striking parts of the song is the line: “I was 12 when the das started killing themselves all around me.” This lyric captures the reality for many young people who witnessed the devastation of the recession firsthand. It highlights the emotional toll of growing up in an environment where uncertainty and hardship were constant companions.
Many Irish people who were children between 2008 and 2013 have shared their own experiences online, expressing how the lyrics hit close to home. One person described the collapse of the Celtic Tiger as “the worst thing I’ve ever experienced as a child,” citing the rise in suicides, empty towns, and pay cuts. Another said the topic hasn’t received enough attention, emphasizing the long-term impact on younger generations.
For those who lived through the recession, the experience shaped their worldview in profound ways. Some recall trying to predict how long the crisis would last while eating lunch at school, while others remember teachers warning that there was no future for young people in Ireland. Visiting family in Donegal, playing in abandoned estates became a common pastime.
Literature and Personal Stories Reflect the Recession’s Legacy
The themes explored in CMAT’s music are not unique. They echo the experiences depicted in Paul Murray’s award-winning novel The Bee Sting. Through the story of a family struggling with the fallout of the economic crash, the book offers a powerful look at the stress, anxiety, and fear that children face when their parents’ lives unravel.
Another project set to explore this era is The Bailout Babies, a book by RTÉ journalist Adam Maguire. Scheduled for release in September, it delves into the lives of those who grew up in an era of economic prosperity but never benefited from it. Now, they are navigating adulthood in a post-boom Ireland, facing new challenges and uncertainties.
Research from the Growing up in Ireland survey highlights the deep impact of the recession on children. Mothers under economic pressure were 84% more likely to suffer from depression, while parents experiencing financial distress often displayed harsher parenting styles and less warmth. These pressures led to increased marital conflicts, which in turn affected children’s mental health, leading to higher anxiety, behavioral issues, and lower academic performance.
Personal Accounts of Resilience and Long-Term Effects
Shannon, who was 14 when the crash hit, recalls being hospitalized with anorexia in 2008. She believes the stress of the recession contributed to her condition. “Life went from zero anxiety to being surrounded by it,” she said. As a teenager, she felt powerless to help her family or the country, watching friends lose loved ones to suicide and witnessing a rise in alcoholism.
Ultan from Wexford, who was just 9 when the recession began, remembers his family struggling to pay off loans taken during the boom. His parents worked through Christmas to make ends meet, and he developed a scarcity mindset that still affects him today. “I struggle with holding onto money because I feel like as soon as I have it, it will go,” he said. The CMAT lyrics reminded him of memories he hadn’t realized had such a lasting impact.
Róisín McManus from Cavan, who was 11 during the crash, describes the constant stress of money as part of her childhood. She recalls trips to the cinema and meals out disappearing, replaced by a heightened awareness of financial instability. Her most vivid memory is seeing young adults in her community emigrate for work. She wonders if the environment she grew up in has contributed to a pattern of emigration among Ireland’s youth.
A Generation Marked by Hardship
The stories of Shannon, Ultan, and Róisín illustrate the lasting effects of the recession on a generation that was forced to grow up too quickly. Their experiences highlight the emotional and psychological scars left by economic turmoil, shaping their views on money, relationships, and the future. As they navigate adulthood, many continue to carry the weight of their early years, a reminder of the resilience and challenges faced by those who lived through the crash.
