Why Ireland's gay community will always be grateful to Fair City

To mark the recent broadcast of its 4,000 episode, Páraic Kerrigan pays tribute to Ireland’s longest running soap opera, Fair City, and its willingness to fly the rainbow flag in Carrigstown.

After twenty-seven years on air, and despite regular criticism from some quarters, RTÉ’s flagship show has withstood the test of time – a testament to the large fan base that still remains loyal to the soap.

Undeniably, the show has been at the forefront of tackling major social issues facing Irish society. In doing so, the northside drama has never shied away from representing Ireland’s minorities.