Reeling in the Years Episode Rating Graph

2009 recalls a year of sporting highs and lows... It was the year that the 'Hand of Henry' denied Ireland the chance to go to the soccer World Cup Finals, as a blatant handball by Thierry Henry helped France to a 2-1 aggregate victory in a qualifying playoff. Irish rugby celebrated a first Grand Slam in sixty-one years and Leinster won the Heineken Cup for the first time. 'We're gonna be in the Hudson', an American pilot calmly informed air traffic controllers as he crash-landed an airliner onto the freezing waters of the Hudson Bay off Manhattan Island: all 155 passengers and crew were safely rescued and pilot Chesley Sullenberger became a national hero. Playlist: Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling Lisa Hannigan - Lille Westlife - What About Now Kings Of Leon - Use Somebody La Roux - Bulletproof Florence & The Machine - Cosmic Love The Coronas - Listen Dear Lady Gaga - Poker Face Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

Reeling in the Years recalls the headlines of 2007, when golfer Padraig Harrington won the British Open and Ireland's cricket team celebrated World Cup victory over Pakistan. Britain's Spice Girls got back together, as did Ireland's Boyzone. Apple launched the new iPhone in the USA, while record numbers of Irish people did their Christmas shopping in New York. Playlist: Girls Aloud - Call The Shots Razorlight - Before I Fall To Pieces Duke Special - Freewheel Timbaland feat. OneRepublic - Apologize Robyn - With Every Heartbeat Mika - Grace Kelly Fergie - Glamorous The Killers - Read My Mind The Klaxons - Golden Skans Sugababes - About You Now

2006 was the year of the 'Love Ulster' riot, when a planned loyalist march down O'Connell Street led to chaos and street fighting in Dublin city centre. Although Irish soccer manager Steve Staunton struggled in his new role, it was also a year of sporting success: Cork sprinter Derval O'Rourke won gold at the World Indoor Championships, Katie Taylor won World and European boxing titles and Bernard Dunne took the European Super bantamweight title. In rugby, Munster beat Biarritz to take the Heineken Cup and Ireland won the Triple Crown. Ireland also hosted the Ryder Cup, when Europe's golfers claimed victory over the USA. Playlist: Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars Bell X1 - Flame Gnarls Barkley - Crazy Gemma Hayes - Undercover Will Young - All Time Love Sugababes - Red Dress Pat Shortt - Jumbo Breakfast Roll

2005 recalls the hits and the headlines of 2005, when Cork became the European City of Culture, Waterford welcomed the Tall Ships, the Dublin suburb of Dundrum got a new shopping centre. Abroad, it was the year of the 'Live 8' concerts and campaign, the 'Hurricane Katrina' disaster in New Orleans, the death of Pope John Paul II and the '7/7' bomb attacks in London. As the Shell to Sea campaign opposed the laying of a gas pipeline in Co. Mayo, the 'Rossport Five' protestors spent 94 days in jail. Belfast mourned the loss of its most famous sporting hero as George Best was laid to rest. 2005 also saw the launch of the Sony Playstation and the Xbox 360: Eddie Hobbs' 'Rip-Off Republic' was RTÉ's TV hit of the summer: and a photo-opportunity for Willie O'Dea backfired badly when the Minister for Defence was photographed pointing a gun at a camera. Playlist: The Caesars - Jerk It Out Katie Melua - Nine Million Bicycles U2 - Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own Moby - Lift Me Up KT Tunstall - Other Side Of The World Daniel Powter - Bad Day Stereophonics - Dakota

Reeling in the Years looks back to 2004, when Ireland's smoking ban was introduced, when Brian McFadden left Westlife for a solo career, and when over £26 million was stolen in a raid at the Northern Bank in Belfast. Trams returned to the streets of Dublin for the first time in 55 years as the LUAS opened. 'Fake tan', Botox and men's grooming products all increased in popularity: the year also saw the launch of Ireland's 'Oxegen' and 'Electric Picnic' festivals. While 'Fruit Of The Loom' announced the closure of its last two Irish factories, internet companies Google and Ebay chose Ireland for their European headquarters. At the 2004 Athens Olympics, Ireland's only victory became mired in controversy: showjumper Cian O'Connor's horse 'Waterford Crystal' tested positive and O'Connor was stripped of a gold medal. Ireland's EU Presidency saw the highlight of the 'Day Of Welcomes' on 1 May, as ten new countries joined the European Union at an accession ceremony in Dublin's Phoenix Park. Representing Europe at a G8 summit meeting, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern famously sported a yellow jacket and trousers... George Bush defeated Democrat challenger John Kerry to win a second term as US president. In Iraq, the US and its allies struggled against rising insurgency: American strategy in Iraq came under further pressure with revelations of prisoner abuse in Abu Ghraib. The end of 2004 was marked by the Asian 'tsunami', when an undersea earthquake triggered massive tidal waves that resulted in the deaths of over 200,000 people in 13 countries. Playlist: Keane - Everybody's Changing Black Eyed Peas - Let's Get It Started Snow Patrol - Run U2 - Vertigo Anastacia - Left Outside Alone Counting Crows - Accidentally In Love Outkast - Hey Ya Natural Gas - The Langer O-Zone - Dragostea Din Tei

2003 recalls when over 7000 athletes from 160 countries took part in the Special Olympics in Ireland It was the year that the Spire in Dublin's O'Connell Street was completed, the Famine replica ship 'Jeanie Johnston' made its maiden voyage to America, and Dubliner Rosanna Davison won the Miss World competition. An exclusive photo deal with 'Hello' magazine meant that Ireland's wedding of the year took place behind closed doors in France: Westlife's Nicky Byrne married Georgina Ahern, daughter of Bertie and Miriam. Overcrowding in Accident and Emergency departments, long waiting lists and ward closures led to crisis in Ireland's health services. Abroad, 2003 was dominated by the debate over Iraq's supposed 'weapons of mass destruction'. US and British air attacks on Iraq were followed by a land war that saw the end of Saddam Hussein's brutal regime. However, although the US declared 'mission accomplished' after only six weeks of war, armed conflict and civil strife continued to grow across Iraq. 2003 was also the year of the 'Columbia' shuttle disaster and the outbreak of SARS (Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Tyrone's Gaelic footballers brushed aside Pat Spillane's 'puke football' criticism and won their county's first senior All-Ireland title. On TV, it was the year 'You're A Star' sent Mickey Harte to represent Ireland at Eurovision with 'We've Got The World', while the ill-fated 'Cabin Fever' reality TV show hit the rocks when the boat sank off Tory Island. Playlist: The Darkness - I Believe In A Thing Called Love The Thrills - One Horse Town Coldplay - Clocks Junior Senior - Move Your Feet Mickey Harte - We've Got The World Paddy Casey - Saints And Sinners Mis-Teeq - Scandalous Will Young - Leave Right Now Jamelia - Superstar

2002 looks back at the sporting mess of Saipan. Ireland's soccer World Cup campaign was plunged into crisis after a bitter row between captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy. Roy Keane went home from the Irish training camp, and the Irish team made it to the second phase of the competition before losing a penalty shootout to Spain. In Ireland's 2002 general election campaign, Fianna Fáil's slogan was 'a lot done, more to do': the FF- PD coalition returned to power and Michael Noonan resigned as Fine Gael leader. The world of showbusiness saw two high-profile weddings: Paul McCartney married Heather Mills in Glaslough, Co. Monaghan, and Majella McLennan married Daniel O'Donnell in Kincasslagh, Co. Donegal. 2002 was the year the Taliban were forced from power in Afghanistan, while Britain and the US increased the threat of war against Iraq, claiming that Saddam Hussein was still developing weapons of mass destruction. In RTÉ's latest reality TV series 'Popstars', Derry teenager Nadine Coyle lost her place in the music group Six for lying about her age: Six went on to top the charts with 'A Whole Lot Of Lovin' and Nadine went on to join Girls Aloud. 2002 was the 'year of the euro', as the new currency replaced the punt in Ireland. Motorists faced a new 'penalty points' system for driving offences, and a levy on plastic bags was introduced. Golfer Paul McGinley sealed Ryder Cup victory for Europe and Armagh's footballers won their county's first ever All-Ireland title. Playlist: Pink- Get This Party Started Avril Lavigne - Complicated Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club - True Friends Elvis vs JXL - A Little Less Conversation Sugababes - Round Round Coldplay - In My Place Kylie Minogue - Love At First Sight Westlife - World Of Our Own Six - A Whole Lot Of Lovin'

2001 recalls the stories and soundtrack of a year dominated by the events of 11 September in America. Over 3,000 people died when al-Quaeda terrorists hijacked four passenger aircraft: two planes were flown into New York's Twin Towers, a third airliner was targeted at the Pentagon building in Washington, and a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania.

2000 features U2 getting the Freedom of Dublin, allowing Bono and The Edge to graze their sheep on St Stephen's Green. The American presidential election descended into political farce in November, when George W Bush and Al Gore fought a legal battle over a handful of votes in the state of Florida.

In the last of the series, a look at 1969 when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, Concorde took to the skies, and John Lennon and Yoko Ono had a 'bed-in' for peace.

A look back at 1968 when the Ballymun development was completed, Apollo 8 orbited the moon, and the Beatles released Yellow Submarine. Music: The Foundations - Build Me Up Buttercup Cliff Richard - Congratulations Pat McGeegan - Chance of a Lifetime Massiel - La, La, La The Moody Blues - Nights in White Satin Bob Dylan - Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) Smokey Robinson & the Miracles - I Second That Emotion The Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil Marvin Gaye - I Heard It through the Grapevine Joe Dolan - You're Such a Good Looking Woman

A look back to 1967 when Elvis got hitched, Mick Jagger was caught for drug offences, and the Six Day War between Israel and Egypt, Syria and Jordan was fought. Music: Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl The Dubliners -Seven Drunken Nights The Monkees - I'm a Believer The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Hey Joe Bob Dylan - All Along the Watchtower Simon and Garfunkel - The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) Engelbert Humperdinck - Release Me The Rolling Stones - Ruby Tuesday Seán Dunphy - If I Could Choose Sandie Shaw - Puppet on a String

This week, a look at 1966. England won the World Cup, Indira Gandhi became prime minister of India, and Eamon de Valera was president of Ireland for a second term. Music: The Rolling Stones - Get off of My Cloud Tom Jones - Green Green Grass of Home Dickie Rock - Come Back to Stay The Who - My Generation Simon and Garfunkel - The Sound of Silence Nancy Sinatra - These Boots Are Made for Walkin' Fontella Bass - Rescue Me The Supremes - You Can't Hurry Love Chris Farlowe - Out of Time

In the year that Kinsale gas becomes commercially available, the search for oil continues off Ireland's coastline. £100m is spent on offshore exploration in 1978. America brokers a peace deal between Israel and Egypt. Although the accord raises hopes of a wider settlement across the Middle East, Lebanon remains a major flashpoint in the conflict. The city of Beirut is divided by civil war. Palestinian forces use Lebanon as a training base for attacks on Israel. 1978 also sees the deployment of Irish peace-keeping troops to the region. Citizens clash with Corporation over plans to build offices on the site of Dublin's original Viking settlement at Wood Quay. Thousands of people join a 'Friends Of Medieval Dublin' march. They demand that Wood Quay be preserved as an archaeological site. The authorities ignore the protestors and press ahead with the building. Viking Dublin disappears forever. 1978 is known as 'the year of three Popes' Pope Paul VI dies in August. Pope John Paul I dies after 33 days in office. A 58 year-old Polish Cardinal is elected in October. Karol Wojtyla becomes Pope John Paul II. 'LA MON' HOTEL Comber, Co. Down: The Provisional IRA commits one of the most savage atrocities of the Troubles. With minimal warning, it explodes a massive bomb in a crowded restaurant. Many of the victims are burnt alive. ALL-IRELAND FOOTBALL FINAL: Dublin v Kerry. Eoin Liston gets a hat-trick as Kerry win by 5-11 to 0-9. In the hurling, Cork beat Kilkenny 1-15 to 2-8. It is Cork's third All-Ireland title in a row. CARNSORE POINT Co. Wexford: As the government advances plans to build an atomic power station, Ireland prepares to join Europe's 'nuclear family'. Supporters of nuclear power say it is a long-term alternative to oil. The Carnsore plan meets widespread opposition. Anti-nuclear campaigners gather at Carnsore in August. 5,000 people attend the protest festival. The government eventually drops the Carnsore proposal. County Cork is the focus for another environmental debate. An asbestos plant in Ovens causes conflict and controversy. The dumping of asbestos in nearby Ringaskiddy provokes angry protests. Ireland has over twenty 'pirate' radio stations in 1978. Demand grows for the legalisation of independent radio and for a new pop music channel on RTE. Ireland's young listeners continue to support the pirates. Meanwhile, RTE opens a second TV channel this year. RTE 2 starts on 2 November. The line-up of stars includes Terry Wogan, Val Doonican, Gemma Craven and Maureen Potter, Ronnie Barker and Liberace. Playlist: The Jacksons - Blame It On The Boogie U2 (previously The Hype) - Street Mission Genesis - Follow Me Boney M - Rivers Of Babylon The Boomtown Rats - Rat Trap Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper Chic - Le Freak Gloria - One Day At A Time The Undertones - Teenage Kicks Yvonne Elliman - If I Can't Have You

The 'Brendan Voyage' comes to an end. Having followed the legendary journey of sixth-century Irish monks, the crew reaches harbour in Newfoundland. The 'Brendan' has sailed 4,000 miles across the Atlantic. Queen Elizabeth celebrates twenty-five years on Britain's throne. The Queen visits Northern Ireland for the first time in 11 years. Republicans march in protest down the Falls Road. 'Punk rock' storms the music charts this year. The Sex Pistols deliver their own version of 'God Save The Queen'. Ireland gets a new music magazine this year. 'Hot Press' targets the growing youth market. FAIRVIEW, DUBLIN: An armed siege begins at a cash-and-carry store, as raiders hold nine hostages at gunpoint. The siege lasts for over twelve hours before the eight-man gang surrenders to Gardai. The Fine Gael-led Coalition responds to rising crime with strong legislation and strongarm tactics. SHANNONBRIDGE ESB STATION: Workers begin industrial action over manning levels and back pay. As the dispute spreads, pubs and restaurants work by candlelight. After a week of power cuts, the dispute is resolved. DUBLIN v ARMAGH: All-Ireland Football Final. Dublin are champions for the second year in a row. Cork also win a second consecutive All-Ireland title when they beat Wexford in the Hurling Final. In Limerick , the Ferenka steelcord plant shuts down. Efforts to save the plant are complicated by inter-union disputes. 1400 jobs go at Ferenka. TENERIFE 27 March: Two jumbo jets collide in bad weather. 574 people die in the worst accident in aviation history. The 1977 general election : Fine Gael hopes to continue in Coalition government with theLabour Party. Fianna Fail asks voters to 'Bring Back Jack'. It promises higher public spending and big tax cuts. Jack Lynch leads Fianna Fail to landslide victory and a twenty-seat majority in the Dail. As a new generation of TDs comes to power, Charles Haughey returns to Cabinet. THE BOOMTOWN RATS: 'Looking After Number One' is the Rats' first Top Ten hit. Northern Ireland's Peace People win the Nobel Prize. The award is for their campaign the previous year. SOUTH AFRICA: Black leader Steve Biko dies in police custody. Despite blatant evidence of torture and maltreatment, the authorities rule that police cannot be held responsible for his death. NORTHERN IRELAND: A loyalist workers' strike brings further unrest. Ian Paisley leads the strike. Loyalist paramilitaries use intimidation tactics to 'persuade' people not to go to work. Several key groups of employees refuse to back the strike, including workers at the North's main power station. Loyalists had hoped to repeat their success of three years ago, when they forced major changes in British goverment policy. This time, the strike fails. Playlist: Status Quo - Rockin' All Over The World The Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen Boney M - Daddy Cool Billy Ocean - Red Light Spells Danger Thin Lizzy - Dancin' In The Moonlight Elvis Presley - Way Down Rod Stewart - The First Cut Is The Deepest Gladys Knight/ Pips - Baby Don't Change Your Mind The Boomtown Rats - Looking After Number One Fleetwood Mac - Dreams

Lady Hazel Lavery's face disappears from the £5 note. A new design features poet and philosopher John Scotus Erigena. Riots turn into open revolt in the black township of Soweto. Hundreds of people die. As violent protests spread across South Africa, security forces are told to restore order 'at all costs'. RHODESIA: Prime Minister Ian Smith accepts a two-year plan to end white minority rule. Rhodesia's black leaders prepare for power. Red Hurley sings 'When' for Ireland in the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest. Brotherhood of Man win for the U.K. with 'Save Your Kisses For Me'. Cabinet Minister Paddy Donegan provokes a constitutional crisis. He reportedly calls President Cearbhall O Dalaigh ' a thundering disgrace' after the President delays signing tough new anti-crime laws. Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh resigns as President. A Fianna Fail candidate is elected unopposed. Patrick Hillery becomes Ireland's sixth President. Princess Grace buys her ancestral home in Co. Mayo. It is a two-room cottage on 35 acres of land. The move angers some local farmers who wanted the land for themselves. In Britain, Harold Wilson resigns as Prime Minister. He has led the Labour Party for 13 years. James Callaghan wins the contest to succeed Harold Wilson. The new Prime Minister makes economic reform a priority. Ireland struggles in deep recession. Finance Minister Richie Ryan takes drastic measures. He introduces the toughest Budget since the Second World War. Abba dominate the pop charts in 1976. 'Money, Money, Money' is one of four Top Ten hits this year. A nationwide bank strike brings widespread disruption. Although the strike ends after ten weeks, many businesses run short of cash. Eamon Coghlan is Ireland's brightest athletics star. At the Montreal Olympics, the Dubliner leads the 1500m final. The final ends in disappointment for Eamon Coghlan, as he finishes in fourth place. A young Romanian gymnast wins three gold medals at the Games. Nadia Comaneci is 14 years old. She is the first gymnast ever to be awarded a perfect score of 10.00. American President Gerald Ford goes for re-election. He defeats challenger Ronald Reagan for the Republican nomination. Jimmy Carter is the Democratic candidate. On 2 November, Jimmy Carter is elected U.S. President. KINGSMILLS, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh: Following the killing of six Catholics by loyalist paramilitaries, ten Protestant workmen are shot dead in a border ambush, widely believed to be the work of the IRA. On 9 July, a new British Ambassador to Ireland is appointed. 12 days later, Christopher Ewart-Biggs and a senior civil servant are killed when their car is blown up by an IRA landmine. As Anne Maguire is out walking with her four young children, an IRA getaway car crashes into the family. Three of the Maguire children are killed. The deaths become a focus for public grief and anger. A new mass movement grows out of the Maguire tragedy. The 'Peace People' make the simplest of demands - an end to violence. Although the peace movement thrives for only a few months, it provides a rare glimpse of unity and hope. ALL-IRELAND HURLING FINAL: Cork v Wexford. Cork are two goals down after eight minutes. The Rebels fight back to win 2-21 to 4-11. FOOTBALL FINAL: 'Heffo's Army' returns to Croke Park in 1976. Dublin meet Kerry in the football final for the second year running. Although Kerry won the last time, the Jacks are back this year. Dublin win by 3-8 to 0-10. Playlist: Hot Chocolate - You Sexy Thing The Eagles - Take It To The Limit Red Hurley - When Brotherhood Of Man - Save Your Kisses For Me Billy Ocean - Love Really Hurts Without You Abba - Money, Money, Money The Bellamy Brothers - Let Your Love Flow Sutherland Brothers/ Quiver - Arms of Mary Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town

Ireland's High Court prevents a 14 year-old girl from travelling to Britain for an abortion.Although the Supreme Court overturns the ruling, the 'X' Case leads to bitter debate and a referendum on abortion. Unemployment reaches record levels in 1992. 290,000 people are now out of work. Cork has one of the highest unemployment rates. Britain's Labour Party looks set for general election victory. John Major defies the opinion polls. He leads the Tory Party to it's fourth successive win. Joe Hendron of the SDLP takes the West Belfast seat from Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams. Los Angeles is hit by the Rodney King 'race riots'. Four policemen accused of beating a black suspect are acquitted by an all-white jury. L.A. has two days of rioting, looting and murder. RTÉ goes on strike in 1992. Normal service is resumed after six weeks. Sean Doherty goes on 'Nighthawks'. He implicates Charles Haughey in the 1982 phone-tapping scandal. With the Progressive Democrats threatening to pull out of coalition government, Haughey resigns. Fianna Fail says goodbye to the man who has led the party for thirteen years. Albert Reynolds is the new Taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader. 1992 is a difficult year for Britain's Royals. A fire destroys part of Windsor Castle. Newspaper revelations damage the Duchess of York. After eleven years of marriage, Princess Diana and Prince Charles agree to separate. The Queen dubs the year "Annus Horribilis". An American woman reveals her affair with Dr Eamonn Casey who is also the father of her 17 year-old son. Dr Casey admits giving £70,000 of diocesan funds to Annie and Peter Murphy. He flees to South America. In Florida, Ben Dunne is arrested on drugs charges. He is freed after paying a $5,000 fine. On the same day that the IRA massacres eight Protestant workmen. Northern Secretary Peter Brooke sings on the 'Late Late'. An angry reaction follows from the North. Somalia is ravaged by civil wars and famine. Gang warlords control the supply of food. Millions of people face starvation. Bosnian Serb forces lay siege to Sarajevo. A limited UN force is powerless to prevent the carnage. Sarajevo's citizens are left to the shelling and sniper fire. The world is shocked, but not shocked enough to act decisively- even after atrocities at a Bosnian Serb prison camp. Yugoslav refugees are made welcome in Ireland in 1992. The Olympic Games open in Barcelona. Boxer Wayne McCullough takes silver for Ireland. Dubliner Michael Carruth takes gold. The Carruth family celebrates at home and abroad. It is Ireland's first Olympic gold in 36 years. In the new dance music culture, Ecstasy is the illegal drug of choice. Experts warn of dangerous side-effects. Bill Clinton challenges George Bush for the U.S. presidency, fighting allegations of sleaze, drug-taking and draft-dodging. He is elected President on 3 November winning 43% of the vote. Amid accusations of 'dishonesty' at the Beef Tribunal, The Progressive Democrats pull out of government. A general election fails to produce a clear result. 1992 closes with various political negotiations in progress. Playlist: Opus III - It's A Fine Day Sultans Of Ping F.C. - Where's Me Jumper? Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You Stereo MC'S - Step It Up Linda Martin - Why Me? Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under The Bridge U2 - One Lightning Seeds - The Life Of Riley Daniel O'Donnell - I Just Want To Dance With You The Shamen - Ebeneezer Goode Charles And Eddie - Would I Lie To You

1986 is a year of Unionist opposition to the recent Anglo-Irish Agreement. 1986 is also the year of the 'Challenger' disaster. Seven people die on board the space shuttle. At Chernobyl in the Soviet Union, a nuclear reactor explodes. It is the world's worst civil nuclear disaster. As the Lebanese civil war worsens, Belfastman Brian Keenan is kidnapped. He will spend four years as a hostage. Hurricane 'Charlie' reaches Ireland in August. The East and Southeast are worst hit. Claims of misconduct are made against John Stalker. He is removed from his two-year investigation into an alleged RUC 'shoot to kill' policy. Rubbish piles up in Dublin's streets as Corporation workers go on strike. When the Army are sent in to clear the rubbish, the dispute turns nasty. The Irish Sweepstakes closes after 56 years. A new National Lottery will begin next year. London, 23 July 1986: Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew are married. The 'Self Aid' telethon highlights unemployment as the jobless figure reaches 250,000. The Kowloon Bridge tanker runs aground off the County Cork Coast. Ireland goes to the polls over proposals to introduce divorce. Voters reject divorce by 935,844 to 538,279. At the RDS in Dublin Barry McGuigan fights Danilo Cabrera. With the help of manager Barney Eastwood, the 'Clones Cyclone' retains his world title, although he will lose it later in the year. Evelyn Glenholmes is released from court as British extradition warrants are deemed defective. She is wanted for questioning on an IRA bomb campaign. Gardai follow her through the streets. One detective fires shots into the air. Despite the efforts of Republican supporters, Evelyn Glenholmes is re-arrested. A new airline opens for business: Ryanair cuts fares on flights to Britain. Another generation turns its back on Ireland. Thousands of young people emigrate. At the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, visa applications rise by 25 per cent . 30,000 people emigrate in 1986. Playlist: Simply Red: Holding Back The Years Dire Straits: Walk Of Life The Waterboys: Whole Of The Moon Billy Ocean: When The Going Gets Tough Chris de Burgh: Lady In Red Housemartins: Caravan Of Love Bon Jovi: You Give Love A Bad Name Dermot Morgan: Thank You Very Much, Mr. Eastwood Wham!: Edge Of Heaven Mary Black: As I Leave Behind Neidin

Charles Haughey takes centre stage at his first Ard Fheis as Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fail. Hundreds of thousands of PAYE workers march to demand tax reform. It is the biggest demonstration of organised labour in the history of the Irish state. A Dublin court cancels a Boomtown Rats concert because of fears for crowd safety. Singer Bob Geldof rejects the court's decision. The battle goes on for two weeks. The Rats finally play at Leixlip Castle to fourteen thousand fans.....Bob Geldof claims victory. Afghanistan: as the Soviet military occupation continues, US President Carter puts on the pressure. The Moscow Olympic Games are threatened... ...but the International Olympic Committee stands firm. The USA and several other Western nations boycott the Moscow Olympic Games. Eurovision Song Contest: Johnny Logan wins for Ireland with Shay Healy's "What's Another Year?" Derrynaflan: using a metal detector, an amateur archaeologist discovers an eighth century chalice. Irish Television has a new star: Dermot Morgan is 'Father Trendy'. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher flies in for a series of Anglo-Irish talks, described jointly as 'extremely constructive and significant'. London: The SAS end a six- day siege of the Iranian Embassy. They kill four terrorists and free nineteen hostages. The Middle East. An attempted US military rescue of American hostages in Iran ends in disaster. The region grows more unstable as war breaks out between Iran and Iraq. El Salvador: Archbishop Oscar Romero is murdered. He has been an outspoken defender of human rights. His funeral becomes a scene of carnage: 40 people die and 200 are injured. Ireland gets a new drama series and a new sex symbol. Gabriel Byrne wins a Jacob's Award, as do Mick Lally, Marian Finucane and Mike Murphy. But 1980's biggest TV question is: "Who Shot JR?" (Answer: Kirsten, Sue-Ellen's sister) Poland: The workers unite against the Communist government. Lech Walesa leads the trade union 'Solidarity'. Seventeen people die when the Dublin-Cork train is derailed at Buttevant, Co. Cork. Former Beatle John Lennon is murdered in New York. Republican prisoners go on hunger strike in the H Blocks. After the intervention of Catholic clergy, the strike is called off. The prisoners have not won any concessions. When an IRA landmine kills three UDR soldiers, the Troubles' death toll reaches 2,000 Playlist: Abba: I Have A Dream Boomtown Rats: Someone's Looking At You Blondie: Atomic Johnny Logan: What's Another Year ? Nolan Sisters: I'm In The Mood For Dancing The Clash: London Calling Split Enz: I Got You U2- Stories For Boys Brendan Shine: Catch Me If You Can Queen: Another One Bites The Dust Bagatelle: Summer In Dublin. T.R. Dallas: Oh Lord It's Hard To Be Humble Queen: Flash John Lennon: Imagine

IRELAND v ENGLAND, 15 February 1995: England supporters riot at Lansdowne Road. The match is abandoned. Fifty people are injured. France tests its nuclear weapons in the South Pacific. Despite local opposition and worldwide condemnation, President Chirac orders the nuclear tests. Ireland's Hepatitis C scandal goes back over eighteen years. Hundreds of people have been infected by contaminated blood products. Despite repeated warnings, health officials had failed to act. There is widespread anger at the conduct of State authorities. OKLAHOMA CITY, USA: A huge bomb blast destroys a government building. 168 people die. American right-wing extremists are found to be responsible. Ireland's Catholic clergy discuss recent crises and scandals. 1995 sees a bitter referendum campaign on divorce. The Church's influence on voters is seen as crucial. As polling day nears, the result becomes too close to call. Minister Michael Noonan attacks the 'No' campaigners. In the closest-ever referendum result, Ireland votes for divorce by 50.3%. There are workers' protests and sit-ins at 'The Irish Press'. The newspaper founded by Eamon de Valera closes down. Irish Press Newspapers has debts of £19 million. Prince Charles visits Ireland in June. Taoiseach John Bruton extends a royal welcome to the Prince. Dublin and Tyrone contest the All- Ireland Football Final. It is Dublin's first victory in twelve years. In hurling, Clare score their first victory in eighty-one years. Ireland's mobile telephone boom begins in 1995. The telephone market is opened up to competition. BOSNIA: After four years of failed peace plans and strategies, Western forces take decisive action. Airstrikes follow atrocities by Croats and Bosnian Serbs. Bosnian Serbs have also used UN soldiers as 'human shields'. Bosnia's three-sided civil war finally ends. Ireland hosts its third Eurovision in a row, presented by Mary Kennedy. Kildare's Fionnuala Sherry and 'Secret Garden' win for Norway. Drumcree: after a three-day stand-off between Orangemen and the RUC, an Orange parade is allowed to pass through a nationalist area. Although the marchers go down the Garvaghy Road in silence, there are triumphant celebrations in the centre of Portadown. Bill and Hillary Clinton come to Ireland at the end of the year. Following visits to Belfast and Derry, President and Mrs Clinton arrive in Dublin. An estimated 80,000 people greet the Clintons at College Green. After nine months on trial for murder, O.J. Simpson awaits the verdict. The murder victims' families are distraught at the outcome. Ireland v Holland, December 1995. A disappointing qualifying campaign for the European Finals ends in a play-off at Liverpool's Anfield stadium. After nine years, two World Cup Finals and one European Finals, Ireland says goodbye to Jack Charlton. Playlist: McAlmont and Butler - Yes Massive Attack - Protection Take That - Back For Good The Corrs - Runaway Bobby Brown - Two Can Play That Game Sinead O'Connor/ Shane McGowan - Haunted Boyzone - So Good Secret Garden - Nocturne Oasis - Wonderwall Blur - The Universal

A dip into the news and music archives from 2013, when the horsemeat scandal rocked Europe, Northern Ireland hosted the G8 summit of world leaders, Ireland's women's rugby union team won the Grand Slam and Wicklow singer-songwriter Hozier released Take Me to Church.

The hits and the headlines of 2016, a year that saw a general election in Ireland, the Brexit referendum in the UK and Donald Trump's election as US president.

Reeling in the Years looks back to the stories and the soundtrack of 2017 when Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States. When Enda Kenny stepped down after six years in office, Leo Varadkar beat Simon Coveney in the contest to become Taoiseach and as leader of Fine Gael.

Reeling in the Years recalls the hits and the headlines of 2019, when Shane Lowry won the British Open golf tournament at Royal Portrush in Co. Antrim. The Open champion returned home in triumph to Clara, Co. Offaly. US vice-president Mike Pence came to Ireland this year, tracing his family connections in Sligo and in Doonbeg, Co. Clare.

Ian Paisley visits Dublin in 1991. He protests against Northern Secretary Peter Brooke's decision to resume the meeting of the Anglo- Irish Conference and to end discussions between Northern parties. 1991 sees an unusual Fine Gael Ard Fheis. Twink makes a show out of Fine Gael. Ireland v. Australia in the World Cup Quarter-Final. Ireland's late try offers hope of a remarkable victory, but Australia win by one point. IRAQ, 16 January 1991: A US-led military force of thirty countries launches Operation 'Desert Storm'. Laser-guided 'smart' bombs hit Iraqi military targets. In Baghdad, an Allied 'smart' bomb hits a bunker which has been used as a civilian air raid shelter. Hundreds of women and children are killed. Fears grow that Iraq will use chemical weapons as retaliation. The 'Patriot' missile defence system is deployed. Iraqi 'Scud' missiles still hit Israeli and Saudi cities. On 24 February 1991, the land war begins. The Allied coalition wins a decisive victory. On February 28, Kuwait City is liberated. As the war ends, an estimated 50,000 people have died and Kuwait's oil fires are out of control. An ecological disaster threatens the Gulf. Maastricht, The Netherlands: European leaders sign an historic agreement. It sets 1999 as the deadline for a single currency. Corruption allegations are made against Larry Goodman's beef company. Although the company vigorously denies the charges, a Tribunal of Inquiry is set up to investigate the claims. The former State company 'Greencore' is hit by scandal. A complex financial arrangement allowed a group of managers to profit from the use of public money. More questions are asked about the sale of Carysfort College when the Taoiseach's involvement in the deal is revealed. Telecom Eireann's controversial purchase of a site in Ballsbridge leads to high-profile resignations. After the Taoiseach, Charles Haughey , says certain people 'should step aside' , Dermot Desmond resigns as chairman of Aer Rianta. Michael Smurfit resigns as chairman of Telecom Eireann. LONDON, 14 March 1991: The Birmingham Six are freed after 16 years in jail. They had been wrongly convicted of a mass murder committed by the IRA. When condoms go on sale in Dublin's Virgin Megastore, The Irish Family Planning Association is convicted and fined. Under the law, shops are not allowed to sell condoms. In an effort to revive Ireland's ailing economy, the Government unveils a radical new agreement. Meanwhile, people queue to emigrate. Under the American 'Morrison Visa' scheme, Ireland is granted 48,000 places in a three-year programme. 20,000 Albanians flee the economic collapse of their country. Many are forced back as they attempt to land in Italy. The EC fails to mediate a peace in Yugoslavia. Nationalist leaders exploit ethnic hatreds. The Serb-dominated federal army lays siege to Dubrovnik. The Croatian city of Vukovar is also besieged. When the city falls to the Serbs after three months, Vukovar's Croats are among the first victims of 'ethnic cleansing'. Hardline Communists oust President Gorbachev in a coup. Boris Yeltsin triumphs over the coup leaders. Gorbachev is freed from house arrest. Yeltsin emerges as the dominant political leader. Leinster football sees an epic battle. Meath and Dublin have to play four times .Meath make it to the All-Ireland Final, but lose to Down. Tipperary beat Kilkenny in the hurling. Fianna Fail faces another divisive debate. Albert Reynolds challenges for leadership The Taoiseach refuses to give way and wins an open vote by 55 to 22. Playlist: R.E.M. - Shiny Happy People U2 - The Fly Michael Jackson - Black Or White The Wonderstuff - The Size Of A Cow The Big Geraniums - Home Again Color Me Badd - I Wanna Sex You Up Blur - There's No Other Way Extreme - More Than Words Enya - Carribean Blue James - Sit Down Lenny Kravitz - It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over Bryan Adams - Everything I Do (I Do It For You)

Vietnamese 'boat people' continue to flee their country. Desperate to escape poverty and persecution, they face danger and possible death on the open sea. Ireland is one of many Western countries to accept refugees. The government sets up a resettlement programme. Despite strong U.S. support, the Shah of Iran is ousted from power. Ayatollah Khomeini returns after fourteen years in exile. Iran becomes an Islamic republic. Amid a storm of anti-American protests, Muslim militants take dozens of people hostage at the U.S. Embassy. Pope John Paul II arrives on a three-day visit to Ireland. Over one million people attend a Papal Mass in the Phoenix Park in Dublin. In Drogheda, the Pope delivers a major address. Bishop Eamonn Casey rallies a crowd of young people in Galway. The Pope also visits Clonmacnois, Knock, Maynooth and Limerick. 1979 is the worst year ever for industrial disputes in Ireland. The Army gets called in during a nationwide bus strike. A national postal strike lasts for over four months. PAYE workers demand radical changes to Ireland's tax system. They earn 67% of the national income - but pay 87% of the State's income tax. On 20 March, an estimated 200,000 people protest across Ireland. Industrial disputes cost the economy over 1,460,000 working days this year. Gay Byrne gets a surprise on the 500th 'Late Late Show'. The interviewer is interviewed by Eamonn Andrews. At Bantry Bay on 8 January, an explosion destroys the oil tanker 'Betelguese' at Whiddy Island. Fifty people die. MULLAGHMORE, CO. SLIGO 27 August: Lord Louis Mountbatten's fishing boat is blown up by the IRA. 79-year-old Lord Mountbatten dies instantly. The IRA bomb also kills 82-year-old Lady Brabourne and two teenagers. On the same day, at Warrenpoint in Co. Down, 18 British soldiers die in another IRA bomb. CAMBODIA (KAMPUCHEA): Four years ago, the fanatical Khmer Rouge took power. It was 'Year Zero' - a brutal new beginning for Cambodia. In 1979, invading Vietnamese forces reveal the horror of Pol Pot's regime. Millions have died in the biggest genocide since the Nazi holocaust. Pol Pot's evil has brought mass graves, torture, forced labour and starvation. Cambodia's people now face further misery and death, as international political rows delay the delivery of vital aid. Eamon Dunphy and John Giles set up an apprentice scheme at Shamrock Rovers. They plan to give young Irish players better education and training. Dubliner Eamonn Coghlan breaks the world indoor mile record. He clocks 3 minutes 52.6 seconds at a race in San Diego. Kilkenny are the 1979 All-Ireland hurling champions. They beat Galway 2-12 to 1-8. Kerry beat Dublin 3-13 to 1-8 in the football. It is Kerry's second All-Ireland title in a row. The ruling Fianna Fail party suffers badly at the polls this year. Two lost by-elections in Cork and poor results in the first direct European elections add to the pressure on leader Jack Lynch. There is also increasing public discontent over industrial disputes. Jack Lynch resigns after 13 years as leader of Fianna Fail. Although George Colley is the leadership's preferred choice, Charles Haughey is elected by 44 votes to 38. Nine years after the Arms Crisis , Haughey is Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fail. Britain also gets a new Prime Minister this year. Margaret Thatcher leads the Tories to general election victory.

Ireland freezes in January. It is the worst winter weather for fifty years. Finance Minister John Bruton delivers a controversial Budget. Independent TDs hold the balance of power. The Fine Gael - Labour Government collapses and a general election is called. As Ireland heads for another hung Dail, Charles Haughey survives a leadership challenge and becomes Taoiseach. Independent TD Tony Gregory trades his vote in a deal worth £90m to Dublin's inner city. Gay Byrne is the victim of Mike Murphy's Candid Camera. Poland is a country under martial law. The government bans the 'Solidarity' trade union. The workers remain defiant. Their leader Lech Walesa is freed from detention. Ollie Campbell kicks Ireland to victory against Scotland and Ireland win the Triple Crown for the first time in 33 years. Argentine troops invade the islands they call 'Malvinas'. When diplomatic moves fail, a British battle fleet sails 8,000 miles. A bloody campaign begins. The fighting ends on June 14 when British troops retake Port Stanley. 255 Britons and 652 Argentinians have died. Belfast's De Lorean car plant closes. Owner John DeLorean is arrested on drugs charges. After £80 million in British Government aid, 1500 jobs are lost. The IRA take their war to London. 'No warning' bombs target an army band and a Horseguards display . Eight people die. A young nurse is brutally murdered in the Phoenix Park. On July 25, a Co. Offaly farmer is also murdered. Three weeks later, Malcolm MacArthur is charged with murder. He was arrested at the home of the Attorney General, Patrick Connolly. Although he is not implicated in the murders, the AG resigns. McArthur is later convicted of murder. The Taoiseach defends his handling of the affair. Fianna Fail debates a motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach, Charles Haughey. His opponents want a secret ballot. Charles Haughey wins an open vote by 58 to 22. In November, the government loses a vote of confidence and the country faces its third election in eighteen months. Fine Gael and Labour are back in power. Playlist: Tight Fit: The Lion Sleeps Tonight Human League: Don't You Want Me Yazoo: Only You Phil Lynott: Yellow Pearl Clannad: Harry's Game Dexy's Midnight Runners: Come On Eileen Fun Boy Three: It Ain't What You Do. Dire Straits: Private Investigations Irene Cara: Fame De Danann: My Irish Molly O The Clash: Should I Stay Or Should I Go Tears for Fears: Mad World Madness: House of Fun

Industrial unrest and factory closures dominate the news. Jobs are lost when Ranks closes. Dunlops leave Cork after 48 years. 680 workers lose their jobs. The public mood is gloomy. The new government dishes the dirt on the old one. Fianna Fail ministers were involved in 'bugging' conversations and in 'tapping' journalists' phones. The scandal brings a series of resignations but Charles Haughey survives as party leader. Ballymany Stud Farm, Co. Kildare: the champion racehorse 'Shergar' is kidnapped. Despite a nationwide search, 'Shergar' is never found. After the kidnap of businessman Don Tidey, a soldier and Garda officer are killed in a shootout. Don Tidey is rescued unharmed. RTÉ screens the first episode of a new series "Glenroe". Starring Mick Lally and Joe Lynch as Dinny and Miley Byrne, it takes up where "Bracken" left off. World Athletics Championships, 14 August 1983: Eamonn Coghlan wins the 5000m final. The US pursues a 'get tough' policy in Central America. In Nicaragua, the US backs the right-wing 'Contra' rebels against the ruling 'Sandinista' government. Grenada, 27 October 1983 . After the murder of Premier Maurice Bishop, American troops invade the island . The US claims that Cuba was planning a military base there. A constitutional amendment on abortion provokes fierce debate. Critics say the amendment's wording is sectarian. Anti-abortion campaigners say the new law is necessary. The campaign is divisive and sometimes bitter. The amendment is carried by 841,233 votes to 416,136. The Divorce Action Group launches a campaign for constitutional change in Ireland. Nuclear arms talks are deadlocked. President Reagan unveils his 'Star Wars' plan to create a defensive 'missile shield' in the sky. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament gets underway . The women of Greenham Common in England fail to stop the delivery of Cruise missiles. All-Ireland Football Final: Dublin and Galway battle it out. A 12-man Dublin team beats 14-man Galway. Playlist: Paul Young: Love Of The Common People Eurythmics: Sweet Dreams Christy Moore: Don't Forget Your Shovel David Bowie: Modern Love Bananarama: Cruel Summer Van Morrison: Cry For Home Michael Jackson: Beat It New Order: Blue Monday Phil Lynott: Old Town Howard Jones: New Song Paddy Reilly: Fields Of Athenry Elton John: I Guess That's Why They Call It....

Schoolchildren claim to have seen a 'moving' statue in Asdee, Co. Kerry. Other reports come from Ballinspittle, Co. Cork. The faithful claim a miraculous event. Sceptics say it is an optical illusion. Ireland beat Scotland at Murrayfield. Wales at Cardiff. England at Lansdowne Road.... and win the 1985 Triple Crown. An Air India Boeing 747 crashes into the Atlantic. A terrorist bomb is the suspected cause. All 329 people on board are killed. Dozens of soccer supporters are crushed to death when Liverpool fans riot at Heysel Stadium in Brussels. The European Cup Final is a disaster. Pressure grows for divorce legislation but the government defers a referendum until next year. After the death of Konstantin Chernenko, Mikhail Gorbachev becomes Party leader. His policy of 'glasnost' (openness) brings change to the Soviet Union. Although the USA pursues its 'Star Wars' plans, relations improve between the superpowers. Barry McGuigan becomes World Featherweight champion. Monaghan cheers on the 'Clones Cyclone'. 13 July 1985 is a day to remember. Bob Geldof organises Live Aid at Wembley. Ireland is the highest 'per capita' donor. Ireland gets a new political party with the formation of the Progressive Democrats. New Zealand: French secret agents blow up a Greenpeace ship.One crew member is killed. France admits its agents acted 'under orders' but continues its nuclear tests anyway. The Anglo-Irish Agreement is signed on 15 November. The Republic gets a formal role in the North's affairs. Unionists unite to say 'No'. They pledge to bring down the Agreement. Spike Island: the government transforms a naval base into a prison for 'joyriding' offenders. The prison is wrecked in a riot. 20,000 teachers attend a rally in Croke Park. They demand a 10 per cent pay award. A clampdown on casual trading brings Dublin's street traders out in force. Playlist: Eurythmics: There Must Be An Angel The Concerned: Show Some Concern Simple Minds: Alive And Kicking U2 : The Unforgettable Fire Fergal Sharkey: A Good Heart Smiths: The Boy With The Thorn In His Side The Cure: Close To Me Tears for Fears: Everybody Wants To Rule... Nik Kershaw: The Riddle Talking Heads: Road To Nowhere Paul Brady: The Island

A 70ft giant is washed up in Dublin Bay. Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver' visits Dublin for the city's Millennium celebrations. Eurovision: Pat Kenny and Michelle Rocca host a cliffhanger. Switzerland win by one point with an unknown singer called Celine Dion. After the Stalker-Sampson 'shoot to kill' inquiry, the British government announces that no RUC officers will be prosecuted. London: the Court of Appeal rejects a plea by the Birmingham Six. Controversial talks begin between Sinn Fein and the SDLP. John Hume defends his actions. On the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian uprising is called 'intifada'. The Israelis crack down - hard. Gibraltar: 7 March 1988: An SAS unit kills three unarmed IRA members. There are more claims of a 'shoot to kill' policy, although the IRA admits its members were on 'active service'. Ten days later, a loyalist gunman attacks the IRA funeral. Three people die, fifty people are injured. As one of those victims is buried, two British soldiers drive into the cortege. The men are beaten, then stripped and shot by the IRA. Jack Charlton leads Ireland to Germany in the 1988 European Championships. Ireland beat England and draw with the Soviet Union. Holland destroy the Irish dream and go on to win the Championship. Budget cuts hit the health services. 170,000 people avail of a tax amnesty. The government gets £500 million. Ireland's soccer heroes come home to a remarkable reception. France secures the release of its hostages in Beirut. Briton John McCarthy is still held. Belfast's Brian Keenan spends his 900th day in captivity. President Gorbachev continues his reforms. The Soviet Union and the USA sign a historic treaty reducing the numbers of nuclear weapons. The 1988 Olympics open in Seoul, South Korea. Ben Johnson is the fastest man in the world . Johnson fails a drugs test and returns home in disgrace. In the US presidential race, George Bush chooses Dan Quayle as his running mate. The Bush-Quayle ticket wins the day. Ronald Reagan bows out after an eight-year Presidency. Dublin criminal Martin Cahill comes under scrutiny. RTÉ's Brendan O'Brien meets 'The General' . After eight years and one million deaths, the Iran-Iraq war ends. Lockerbie: A bomb explodes on board Pan Am Flight. 270 people die. Playlist: Morrissey- Everyday Is Like Sunday Celine Dion - Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi The Adventurers: Broken Land Sinead O'Connor- Mandinka Belinda Carlisle: Heaven Is A Place On Earth The Pogues: Fiesta Bobby McFerrin: Don't Worry, Be Happy Enya: Orinoco Flow Whitney Houston: One Moment In Time The Primitives: Crash U2: Desire Aslan: This Is

Ronald Reagan is sworn in as President of the U.S.....there are celebrations in his ancestral birthplace in Ballyporeen, County Tipperary. The Stardust Club, Dublin: A St. Valentine's disco turns to tragedy. 44 young people die. Politicians and the public unite in protest when the IRFU announce plans to tour South Africa. Petitions are presented and vigils are held, but the tour goes ahead anyway. Doireann Ni Bhriain presents the Eurovision Song Contest from the RDS in Dublin. Sheeba sing "Horoscopes" for Ireland. The contest is won by Great Britain's Buck's Fizz. Republican prisoners in the H Blocks go on hunger strike to demand political status. Bobby Sands leads the hunger strike and is elected MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Support grows across Ireland for the hunger strikers. When Sands dies in March, tens of thousands attend his funeral. There is widespread rioting. The hunger strike continues. An Aer Lingus jet is hijacked en route from Dublin to London. Minister for Transport Albert Reynolds briefs the press .The hijacker demands the publication of the Third Secret of Fatima. The politicians go on tour in the 1981 General Election campaign. The main issues are the depressed economy and Northern Ireland. Charles Haughey makes a prediction on the future of the North. The 22nd Dail meets on June 30. Garret Fitzgerald leads a Coalition government with Michael O'Leary, the new Labour leader. They rely on the support of Independents. The government will last 8 months. Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer in St. Paul's Cathedral, London. Gardai prevent a H Block protest march from reaching the British Embassy. A vicious riot ensues. Kieran Doherty becomes the eighth hunger striker to die. He was one of two H Block prisoners elected to the Dail. The hunger strike is called off in October. Ten hunger strikers have died. The prisoners are eventually granted their demands. 1981 is a year of assasination attempts. President Reagan survives in January. The Pope survives in May. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat is murdered in October. Playlist: Abba: Super Trouper Rolling Stones: Start Me Up The Blades: Ghost Of A Chance Undertones: It's Gonna Happen Phil Collins: In The Air Tonight Boomtown Rats: Banana Republic Big Tom: Four Country Roads Talking Heads: Once In A Lifetime Foster and Allen: Bunch Of Thyme Joe Dolan: It's You, It's You, It's You The Police: Invisible Sun Queen/David Bowie: Under Pressure Fureys/Davey Arthur: Sweet Sixteen

President and Nancy Reagan come to Ireland on a four-day official visit. Thousands demonstrate against US foreign policy as the President addresses Dáil Éireann. The Colin McStay Appeal gets a huge response. £100,000 is the target sum: within a week, £200,000 is raised. Colin McStay travels to the United States. His operation is a success. Britain's coal industry grinds to a halt as miners fight cutbacks and pit closures. The New Ireland Forum report is published. At an Anglo-Irish summit six months later, the British Prime Minister is not impressed. Prisoner Nicky Kelly is freed on 'humanitarian grounds'. Campaigners claim he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice. In Dublin, hard drugs like heroin become more easily available. Heroin devastates Dublin's inner-city communities. There are an estimated 4,500 users in the city. A 17 year-old Irishman dreams of soccer glory. Niall Quinn joins Arsenal as an apprentice. Despite a boycott by several Communist countries, the 1984 Olympic Games go ahead. John Treacy takes silver in the marathon. Music Television comes to Ireland with Vincent Hanley and 'MT USA'. PW Botha is South Africa's new President. Even though there are elections and a new constitution, black people still have no voting rights. A Dunnes Stores worker refuses to handle South African goods. When she is suspended, her colleagues go on strike. A chemical factory leak in Bhopal, India kills over 2,000 people. India also mourns a lost leader when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated. In the Philippines, an Irish missionary priest provokes the Marcos government by continually defending the rights of his parishioners. In an effort to suppress him, the authorities charge him with murder. After five months in custody, Fr Niall O'Brien is released. The IRA bomb a hotel at the Tory party conference in an attempt to assassinate most of the British cabinet. Four people die. Charles Mitchel, Telefis Éireann's first-ever newsreader retires. Ethiopia is stricken by famine and civil war. A BBC report provokes Bob Geldof into action. Playlist: Madonna: Holiday Wham!: Wake Me Up Before You Go Go Nik Kershaw: Wouldn't It Be Good Smiths: What Difference Does It Make Eurythmics: Here comes The Rain Again John Lennon: Nobody Told Me/Days Like These Frankie Goes to Hollywood: Two Tribes U2 : Pride (In The Name Of Love") Cyndi Lauper: Time After Time Tears for Fears: Shout Band Aid: Do They Know It's Christmas?