Celebrations in Dublin ahead of the launch of a new European currency, the euro.
With the introduction of a new common currency for Europe at midnight there were free euro converter calculators for members of the public on Grafton Street in Dublin.
Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy was in attendance for the countdown to a common currency. He described it as a historic occasion and one that would have been difficult to envisage 30 years ago when Ireland first joined the EEC.
Governor of the Central Bank Maurice O'Connell said that it is now up to the people to make the new currency work. The launch of the currency has gone off without any major hiccups.
Charlie McCreevy made his way down Grafton Street to spend the last of his old money at a flower stall. He encourages people to take their time when working out conversion rates.
Last of the Irish pounds.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 31 December 2001. The reporter is George Lee.
