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 in Leixlip. The Soviet occupation of Afghanistan leads to a U.S.-led boycott of the Moscow Olympics. Johnny Logan wins Eurovision for Ireland. A metal detectorist discovers the Derrynaflan Chalice. Dermot Morgan debuts as ‘Father Trendy.’ Thatcher visits Ireland for Anglo-Irish talks. The SAS ends the Iranian Embassy siege. A failed U.S. rescue in Iran worsens tensions, and war erupts between Iran and Iraq. Archbishop Oscar Romero is assassinated. Irish TV sees new drama and Gabriel Byrne's rise. "Who Shot JR?" captivates audiences. Poland’s Solidarity movement gains traction. Seventeen die in the Buttevant train disaster. John Lennon is murdered. Hunger-striking IRA prisoners gain no concessions. An IRA landmine raises the Troubles’ death toll to 2,000.

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 the IRFU’s controversial rugby tour of South Africa. Ireland hosts Eurovision, with Sheeba representing and Buck’s Fizz winning. Republican prisoners, led by Bobby Sands, go on hunger strike for political status. Sands is elected MP but dies, triggering mass protests. An Aer Lingus jet is hijacked over the Third Secret of Fatima. A turbulent general election sees Garret Fitzgerald form a short-lived coalition. Prince Charles weds Lady Diana. Riots erupt over the hunger strikes, and Kieran Doherty, a newly elected TD, dies. The strike ends after ten deaths, with prisoners’ demands later met. 1981 also sees assassination attempts on Reagan and the Pope, while Egyptian President Anwar Sadat is killed.

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 a leadership challenge and becomes Taoiseach. Independent TD Tony Gregory secures a £90m deal for Dublin’s inner city. Poland remains under martial law, banning ‘Solidarity,’ though Lech Walesa is freed. Ireland wins the Triple Crown after 33 years. Argentina invades the Falklands, sparking a British military response; 255 Britons and 652 Argentinians die. Belfast’s DeLorean plant shuts down, costing 1,500 jobs. The IRA bombs London, killing eight. Two brutal murders lead to Malcolm MacArthur’s arrest at the Attorney General’s home, forcing the AG’s resignation. Fianna Fáil debates Haughey’s leadership; he wins an open vote. In November, the government loses a confidence vote, prompting Ireland’s third election in 18 months. Fine Gael and Labour return to power.

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 to resignations, though Charles Haughey remains leader. Champion racehorse Shergar is kidnapped and never found. Businessman Don Tidey is rescued after a shootout kills a soldier and Garda officer. RTÉ airs Glenroe. Eamonn Coghlan wins the 5000m at the World Athletics Championships. The US supports Contra rebels in Nicaragua and invades Grenada. A divisive abortion amendment passes. Divorce reform efforts begin. Reagan announces ‘Star Wars’ missile defence. Nuclear disarmament protests grow. Dublin defeats Galway in the All-Ireland Football Final.

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 miners strike against pit closures. The New Ireland Forum report fails to impress the UK Prime Minister. Nicky Kelly is freed on humanitarian grounds, though many see it as a miscarriage of justice. Heroin devastates Dublin’s inner-city. Niall Quinn joins Arsenal. Despite a Communist boycott, the 1984 Olympics proceed, with John Treacy winning silver. MTV arrives in Ireland. PW Botha becomes South Africa’s President, but black citizens remain disenfranchised. A Dunnes Stores worker sparks an anti-apartheid strike. The Bhopal disaster kills 2,000+. Indira Gandhi is assassinated. An Irish priest is imprisoned in the Philippines but later released. The IRA bombs a Tory conference hotel. Charles Mitchel retires. Ethiopia faces famine, and a BBC report inspires Bob Geldof to act.

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 a suspected terrorist attack. At Heysel Stadium, a riot leads to dozens of soccer fans being crushed to death. Divorce referendum is delayed. Gorbachev introduces 'glasnost' in the USSR. Despite 'Star Wars' plans, US-Soviet relations improve. Barry McGuigan wins the World Featherweight title. Live Aid raises massive funds, with Ireland the highest per capita donor. The Progressive Democrats form a new political party. French agents bomb a Greenpeace ship in New Zealand. The Anglo-Irish Agreement gives the Republic a role in Northern affairs, sparking Unionist outrage. Spike Island prison is wrecked in a riot. 20,000 teachers rally for pay increases. Dublin street traders protest against a trading clampdown.

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 kidnapped. Hurricane Charlie devastates parts of Ireland. John Stalker is removed from his RUC investigation. A Dublin refuse strike leads to army intervention. The Irish Sweepstakes ends after 56 years. Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew marry. The Self Aid telethon highlights unemployment. The Kowloon Bridge tanker runs aground off Cork. Ireland rejects divorce in a referendum. Barry McGuigan retains his world title but later loses it. Evelyn Glenholmes is re-arrested after a failed extradition attempt. Ryanair launches low-cost flights. Emigration surges, with 30,000 people leaving and U.S. visa applications up 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 FitzGerald resigns as Fine Gael leader, replaced by Alan Dukes. In Britain, Margaret Thatcher wins a third term. 'Black Monday' shakes global markets, with a 22% drop in New York. Johnny Logan wins Eurovision again. A harsh Budget threatens jobs and closes state agencies. Scientists discover a massive ozone hole. Reagan faces the 'Irangate' scandal. Ireland qualifies for a major football tournament under Jack Charlton. IRA attacks and bombings rock Northern Ireland. Stephen Roche wins the Tour de France. AIDS awareness rises in Ireland. Irish immigration to the U.S. continues despite stricter controls.

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 prosecute RUC officers after the Stalker-Sampson inquiry. The Court of Appeal rejects the Birmingham Six’s plea, while Sinn Féin and the SDLP begin talks. The Palestinian intifada erupts, met with an Israeli crackdown. In Gibraltar, the SAS kills three unarmed IRA members, sparking claims of a 'shoot to kill' policy. Loyalist and IRA violence follow at funerals. Ireland shines at Euro 1988 but falls to Holland. Budget cuts impact health; a tax amnesty raises £500m. France frees hostages in Beirut, but Briton John McCarthy and Belfast’s Brian Keenan remain captive. Gorbachev advances reforms; the US and USSR sign a nuclear treaty. Seoul hosts the Olympics; Ben Johnson is disgraced. Martin Cahill faces scrutiny. The Iran-Iraq war ends. A bomb destroys Pan Am Flight over Lockerbie, killing 270.

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 Haughey, forms a coalition. Century Radio launches, and TV3 is announced. The M1 motorway crash kills 44 people. Cork wins the football final, Tipperary wins the hurling final. Gorbachev visits Shannon, initiating reforms in the Soviet Union. The ANC strengthens as apartheid weakens, though Mandela remains imprisoned. The Hillsborough disaster kills 96. Protests arise for army wives' rights. Iran orders the death of Salman Rushdie, and Ayatollah Khomeini dies. In Beijing, Chinese students protest, leading to a violent crackdown. The Guildford Four are freed, and Daniel Day-Lewis stars in My Left Foot. Ireland qualifies for the World Cup. The Berlin Wall falls, and communism collapses in Eastern Europe.

Brian Lenihan’s presidential campaign falters after a taped conversation is leaked, leading Charles Haughey to sack him to maintain power. On November 9, 1990, Mary Robinson is elected President. Brian Keenan is freed after 1,597 days as a hostage in Beirut. Cardinal Tomas O'Fiaich dies, and Bishop Cahal Daly becomes Primate of All Ireland. Germany reunifies after 45 years, and Nelson Mandela is freed after 26 years in prison. The Channel Tunnel connects France and Britain, and Ireland prepares for its first-ever World Cup. Ireland’s team advances to the quarter-finals but loses to Italy. On August 2, 1990, Iraq invades Kuwait, leading to international tensions. The IRA uses 'proxy bombs', killing civilians and soldiers. Cork’s hurlers and footballers win All-Ireland titles. Margaret Thatcher resigns as Prime Minister on November 28, 1990.

In 1991, Ian Paisley protested in Dublin against Northern Secretary Peter Brooke's decision to resume the Anglo-Irish Conference. In the World Cup, Ireland’s close loss to Australia in the quarter-finals captured attention. The Gulf War began with Operation Desert Storm, but a tragic incident occurred when a smart bomb hit a civilian shelter in Baghdad, killing hundreds. The war led to 50,000 deaths and ecological damage from oil fires. In Europe, the Maastricht Treaty set 1999 for a single currency. Corruption scandals hit Irish companies like Greencore and Telecom Eireann. In March, the Birmingham Six were freed after wrongful convictions. Meanwhile, economic challenges led many Irish citizens to emigrate. The Yugoslav conflict worsened, and in the USSR, hardline Communists attempted a coup, only to be defeated by Boris Yeltsin. In sports, Meath lost to Down in the All-Ireland Final, and Fianna Fáil saw a leadership contest with Albert Reynolds challenging Charles Haughey.

In 1992, Ireland's High Court initially prevents a 14-year-old from travelling for an abortion, sparking the 'X' Case debate and a referendum. Unemployment hits record levels, with 290,000 out of work, particularly in Cork. The Labour Party in Britain seems poised for victory, but John Major leads the Tories to a fourth successive win. Joe Hendron of the SDLP wins the West Belfast seat from Gerry Adams. Los Angeles experiences the Rodney King race riots after four policemen are acquitted. RTÉ goes on strike for six weeks. Sean Doherty implicates Charles Haughey in a phone-tapping scandal, leading to Haughey's resignation and Albert Reynolds becoming Taoiseach. Dr. Eamonn Casey flees after admitting an affair. In sports, Ireland celebrates Michael Carruth’s Olympic gold. Bill Clinton wins the U.S. presidency. Political instability marks 1992, including the Beef Tribunal and a hung election.

In 1993, Bill Clinton became the 42nd President of the USA. F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize as South Africa moved towards majority rule. Israeli and Palestinian leaders signed a peace deal granting limited self-rule to Palestinian areas. Ireland formed a new coalition government, and Albert Reynolds was re-elected Taoiseach. Niamh Kavanagh won the Eurovision Song Contest with "In Your Eyes." The Waco siege ended tragically with 80 deaths. Russia faced a constitutional crisis, and the military crushed a rebellion. Northern Ireland's World Cup hopes were dashed in a draw with the Republic. Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first female president, met both Gerry Adams and Queen Elizabeth. The IRA's bombing in Warrington led to peace demonstrations. Aer Lingus began direct US flights, while Galway faced job losses from a plant closure. The year ended with the signing of the Downing Street Declaration for Northern Ireland peace talks.

In 1994, O.J. Simpson was arrested for the murder of his ex-wife and her friend. The film Braveheart faced issues during filming, and Boris Yeltsin’s visit to Ireland was cut short. New drink-driving laws were introduced in Ireland, sparking rural discontent. In the World Cup, Ireland lost to Mexico and Holland, while Brazil won the tournament. Riverdance became a hit at Eurovision, where Ireland claimed its third consecutive win. The Rwandan genocide erupted, and the UN's response was insufficient. In Northern Ireland, sectarian violence continued, but peace efforts advanced with ceasefires from the IRA and loyalists. The government in Ireland collapsed over a scandal, leading to the resignation of Taoiseach Albert Reynolds. John Bruton became Taoiseach in December, ushering in a period of economic improvement and hope for peace.

On 15 February 1995, England supporters riot at Lansdowne Road during a match against Ireland, causing the game to be abandoned and injuring 50 people. France conducts nuclear tests in the South Pacific, facing local and global opposition. Ireland's Hepatitis C scandal, caused by contaminated blood products, spans over 18 years, with anger over health officials' failure to act. In Oklahoma City, a bomb blast kills 168, carried out by right-wing extremists. Ireland's referendum on divorce sees a narrow win for "Yes." Workers protest the closure of the Irish Press due to debts. Prince Charles visits Ireland, and Dublin wins its first All-Ireland Football Final in 12 years. Bosnia's civil war ends with Western intervention. Ireland hosts Eurovision for the third year. In December, O.J. Simpson awaits his verdict, and Ireland bids farewell to Jack Charlton after a disappointing Euro 1996 campaign.

In 1996, Dublin's Millennium Clock was launched but lasted only nine months. Teilifís na Gaeilge, Ireland's new TV service, debuted from Connemara. The BSE crisis, blamed on British animal feed practices, led to a drop in beef prices and affected Ireland’s EU Presidency. George Mitchell advanced Ireland's peace process, while the IRA ended its ceasefire with bomb attacks in London and Manchester. The Stormont talks began, though Unionist opposition remained strong. The Orangemen were permitted to march after loyalist violence. Ireland saw its first on-screen gay kiss in Fair City. The Spice Girls dominated pop music. Veronica Guerin was murdered, prompting a crackdown on crime. The Goldenbridge abuse allegations increased scrutiny of the Catholic Church. At the Atlanta Olympics, Michelle Smith won three gold medals amid drug rumors, and Ireland triumphed at Eurovision. Minister Michael Lowry resigned over financial scandals.

In 1997, Radio Ireland is launched on St. Patrick's Day. Hong Kong returns to China after the end of Britain's 99-year lease. Ireland sees a government shift with Fianna Fáil and PDs replacing the Rainbow Coalition, supported by Independents. The UK Tories lose power to 'New Labour,' and Louise Woodward's conviction is reduced. Ireland faces a crisis in its immigration system, while Albania collapses into anarchy after pyramid scheme failures. Princess Diana and Mother Teresa die, triggering public mourning. The IRA calls a ceasefire, and Sinn Féin joins peace talks. The Spice Girls dominate pop music, and Clare wins the All-Ireland Hurling Final. Mary Robinson becomes UN High Commissioner, and Mary McAleese wins the Irish presidency. Dolly the Sheep sparks cloning debates, and the McCracken Tribunal uncovers corruption. The 'Pathfinder' probe successfully visits Mars, and Comet Hale-Bopp reaches Earth after 4,000 years.

In 1998, Ireland saw significant changes and events. TV3 launched in September, and a scandal hit the National Irish Bank over improper customer charges. Car-clamping began in Dublin, and the economy boomed, with unemployment dropping and foreign investment rising. Bill Clinton faced a major scandal over an alleged affair, while historic peace talks at Stormont led to the Good Friday Agreement, which saw overwhelming support in the Republic and mixed reactions in the North. Former dictator Augusto Pinochet was arrested in London. In sports, Ireland had a memorable year, with soccer teams winning European championships, while tragedy struck in Omagh, where a bomb killed 29 people. Ireland also hosted the Tour de France and saw political protests over police pay.

In 1999, Telecom Eireann shares are bought by 500,000 people, and a solar eclipse darkens most of Europe. MTV Europe's Music Awards bring stars to the Point Depot. Controversy follows the early release of Philip Sheedy, leading to resignations. Terry Keane reveals her affair with Charles Haughey. Irish soccer faces disappointment as Ireland fails to qualify for the European Finals. The North achieves devolution and a new British-Irish Agreement is signed. Jack Lynch is mourned in Cork. Tribunals reveal corruption, and George Redmond is questioned. The Ansbacher scandal unveils secret accounts. Finance Minister McCreevy's Budget sparks anger. East Timor votes for independence, while the US Senate acquits Clinton in the Lewinsky scandal. Nurses strike over pay, and Dana wins in the European elections. Policing reforms meet mixed reactions in Northern Ireland. Gay Byrne bids farewell after 37 years. The millennium is marked with celebrations and Newgrange's solstice.

In the 1970s, Dublin thrives with a vibrant nightclub scene. Apollo 13's moon mission is marred by a catastrophic explosion, but the astronauts return safely. Pele leads Brazil to victory in the 1970 World Cup. Ireland's Catholic bishops lift a ban on attending Trinity College, Dublin. Eamon and Sinead de Valera celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, and Dublin opens the Dandelion Market. Dana wins Ireland's first Eurovision with "All Kinds Of Everything." The Biafran war ends with rebels surrendering to Nigeria. The U.S. continues withdrawing troops from Vietnam. At Kent State, National Guardsmen kill four protestors. Anti-apartheid protests occur during the South African rugby tour in Dublin. Ireland’s political scene is rocked by the Arms Crisis, leading to the dismissal of Charles Haughey and Neil Blaney.

Ireland's top businessman, Tony O'Reilly, predicts more foreign investment but warns against multinational dominance. Irish art students demand curriculum reforms, while RTE prepares for its first live colour TV production during the Eurovision Song Contest. Fianna Fail faces internal strife as Kevin Boland challenges leadership over the Arms Crisis and calls for action on Northern Ireland, ultimately defeated by Patrick Hillery. In Vietnam, South Vietnam disrupts the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and the US continues withdrawing troops. The Irish Women's Liberation Movement protests the contraception ban. Cigarette ads are banned on TV, while the drinks trade flourishes. Internment without trial is introduced in Northern Ireland, causing widespread violence and refugee displacement. China joins the UN despite US opposition, and President Nixon plans a visit. Kilkenny loses to Tipperary in hurling, while Offaly beats Galway in football. Ireland adopts a new decimal currency.

In Ireland, after the government agrees to join the European Economic Community, a referendum campaign ensues. Labour and left-wing groups oppose, but Fianna Fail and Fine Gael support, leading to a 'Yes' vote by a large margin. In the U.S., George McGovern challenges Nixon for the presidency, while the Watergate break-in gains little attention. Unemployment hits the West of Ireland, causing many to seek work abroad, dividing families. Bloody Sunday occurs in Derry, where British soldiers kill 13 civil rights marchers, provoking outrage. The IRA carries out bombings in Belfast, and Muhammad Ali fights in Dublin. The 1972 Olympics are marked by tragedy as Palestinian militants kill 11 Israeli athletes in Munich. As U.S. troops withdraw from Vietnam, Nixon visits China, and Ireland makes constitutional changes. Northern Ireland is placed under direct rule, and the Provisional IRA intensifies violence, including the bombing campaign on 'Bloody Friday.'

In the 1973 Irish general election, the Fine Gael-Labour coalition wins, marking the first change of government in 16 years. A report on women’s equality recommends major reforms, and while the Civil Service lifts the marriage bar, women in manufacturing earn only 43% of men’s pay. Ballymun still lacks adequate facilities despite housing 17,000 people, including 6,000 children. The Irish production of Jesus Christ Superstar begins rehearsals with Luke Kelly, Colm Wilkinson, and Tony Kenny. In global events, the Vietnam War ends, Juan Perón is re-elected in Argentina, and the IRA frees members in a helicopter escape. A military coup in Chile ousts President Allende. During the Yom Kippur War, Egypt and Syria attack Israel, escalating tensions. The Watergate scandal and Nixon’s legal battles unfold, while Erskine Childers is elected President of Ireland. In sports, Limerick wins the All-Ireland hurling final and Cork claims the football title. Thin Lizzy scores a UK hit.

In 1974, Cearbhall ó Dálaigh becomes Ireland's fifth president after Erskine Childers' sudden death. A nine-week bus strike in Dublin leads to the Army providing transport. West Germany beats Holland in the World Cup Final. U.S. President Nixon resigns over the Watergate scandal. ABBA wins the Eurovision Song Contest, and 'Joseph And His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat' becomes a major hit in Dublin. An oil spill at Bantry Bay causes local outrage. The Dublin and Monaghan bombings kill 33 people. Turkish forces invade Cyprus following a Greek coup. Rory Gallagher enjoys success in music, while Nell McCafferty leads new women's campaigns. The Irish legal system faces criticism over illegitimacy laws. In sports, Kilkenny wins the hurling final, and Dublin dominates football. Patty Hearst is kidnapped by the SLA. The IRA conducts bombings in Britain, leading to wrongful convictions.