This book commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, which concluded in 1965. With a selection of essays by distinguished Irish theologians, this book offers an objective assessment of the historical reception and pastoral implementation of Vatican II in Ireland with the benefit of half a century's hindsight. The authors discuss from a variety of different perspectives the theological significance of the Council for the self-understanding and reform of the Catholic church, both in the past and for the future.