Limandy

1. 1980

1999-01-22

Charles Haughey leads his first Ard Fheis as Taoiseach. PAYE workers stage the largest labor protest in Irish history. A Boomtown Rats concert is banned in Dublin but later held i…

2. 1981

1999-09-13

In 1981, Ronald Reagan is sworn in as U.S. President, sparking celebrations in his ancestral Ballyporeen, Ireland. A fire at Dublin’s Stardust Club kills 44. Protests fail to stop…

3. 1982

1999-09-20

Ireland experiences its worst winter in 50 years. A controversial Budget leads to the collapse of the Fine Gael–Labour government, triggering an election. Charles Haughey survives…

4. 1983

1999-09-27

Factory closures and job losses, including Ranks and Dunlops in Cork, contribute to a gloomy public mood. The new government exposes Fianna Fáil’s phone-tapping scandal, leading t…

5. 1984

1999-10-04

Ronald and Nancy Reagan visit Ireland amid protests against US policy. The Colin McStay Appeal surpasses its £100,000 goal, funding his successful surgery in the US. British miner…

6. 1985

1999-10-11

Statue movement reports in Asdee and Ballinspittle spark debate—miracle or illusion? Ireland wins the 1985 Triple Crown. An Air India 747 crashes into the Atlantic, killing 329 in…

7. 1986

1999-10-18

1986 sees strong Unionist opposition to the Anglo-Irish Agreement. Tragedy strikes with the Challenger disaster and the Chernobyl explosion. In Lebanon, Belfastman Brian Keenan is…

8. 1987

1999-10-25

The Fine Gael-Labour coalition collapses, with budget cuts dominating the election. Fianna Fáil returns to power as Charles Haughey becomes Taoiseach by one vote. Garret FitzGeral…

9. 1988

1999-11-01

A 70ft Gulliver washes up in Dublin for the city's Millennium celebrations. Ireland hosts Eurovision; Switzerland wins with Celine Dion. The British government decides not to pros…

10. 1989

1999-11-08

In 1989, the 25th Dail is dissolved, leading to an inconclusive general election and coalition talks between Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats. Fianna Fail, under Charles …