On This Week: Irish Moments from History (30th June - 6th July)
Welcome to On This Week, where we delve into the standout stories from the years gone by, featuring standout news stories, major sporting events, and pop culture highlights that helped shape Irish life.
Here's your dose of Irish nostalgia from 30th June - 6th July.
This Week In Irish News
1990: Nelson Mandela fulfils promise to the Irish
Nelson Mandela arrived in Dublin city with his wife Winnie for a two-day visit, fulfilling a promise made to Ireland.
Two years previously, he was honoured as a freeman of Dublin city while still in a South African jail. He vowed to collect that honour someday.
Mandela's arrival also coincided with another major return, where the Republic of Ireland team arrived home after their Italia 90 exploits.
Mandela received the Freedom of the City, congratulated the Irish football team, and praised the support that the Irish people gave to the South African cause.
2004: Dublin gets trams for the first time in 55 years
The LUAS was launched in Dublin, bringing trams back onto the streets of Dublin city for the first time in 55 years.
People queued up to be the first to travel on the green line from Sandyford in south Dublin to St Stephen’s Green, with many recording the trip for posterity.
The last regular tram service before the LUAS was the Hill of Howth Tramway, which ceased operation on 31 May, 1959.
This Week In Irish Sports
1990: Italia 90 team return home to a hero’s welcome
The Republic of Ireland football team returned home to a massive welcome after their Italia 90 journey.
The team reached the quarter-finals of the first World Cup they had qualified for, eventually losing 1-0 to the host nation Italy.
An estimated 50,000 people were at Dublin Airport to welcome the team home. Thousands more lined the route from the airport to College Green in Dublin city centre, where there was a civic reception.
1991: Third Leinster final replay needed to break Meath v Dublin deadlock
After four games, the Leinster Football Championship was finally decided between Meath and Dublin.
After a tight game, Meath did enough to emerge victorious with a one point victory. The final score was Meath 2-10 Dublin 0-15.
This Week In Irish Entertainment
1962: The first ever Late Late Show broadcasts in Ireland
The Late Late Show made its Irish television debut on Friday, 6 July, at 11:20pm.
At the time, it was unusual to have a live talk and entertainment show happening so late in the day. It was also originally intended to be a filler show, but after its success, it became a mainstay in Irish television.
Gay Byrne was the first presenter and would remain in the hot seat for 37 years.
2024: Taylor Swift brings sold-out Eras tour to Aviva Stadium
Taylor Swift became the first tour ever to sell out the Aviva Stadium three nights in a row.
The singer was in Ireland as part of her blockbuster Eras tour, and over 50,000 people attended each night to see her performance.
The concerts had such a performance that the song 'Shake It Off’ triggered seismic activity that could be felt as far away as Co Wexford.
This Week In Irish Culture
1965: Monaco royalty land in Dublin
Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco made a state visit to Ireland.
Both were welcomed upon their arrival at Dublin Airport, greeted by Lord Killanin, Frank Aiken, Minister for External Affairs, and Charles Haughey, Minister for Agriculture, along with his wife, Maureen.
While visiting, they were distinguished guests at the Petits Lits Blancs charity ball in Powerscourt, county Wicklow.
1997: Saving Private Ryan shot at Wexford beach
The production of the Steven Spielberg film 'Saving Private Ryan' began shooting on Curracloe beach in Co Wexford.
The beach was the location for recreating the movie’s famous D-Day landing scene at Omaha Beach, Normandy.
Members of the Reserve Defence Force, dressed in Second World War US Army uniforms and carrying period weapons, marched for their part in the $40m film.
The movie went on to win five Oscars, including Best Director for Steven Spielberg.
What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week?
1979: ‘You're the One That I Want’ by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
The iconic hit from Grease is one of the best-selling singles in history, having sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
1996: ‘Killing Me Softly’ by The Fugees
The song, originally written by Charles Fox, Norman Gimbel, and Lori Lieberman, was covered by the R&B group and became a number-one hit in twenty countries.
2017: ‘Despacito’ by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
The remixed version featuring Bieber has been credited for renewing the popularity of Spanish-language pop music in the mainstream.
Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week
Katie Taylor (39)
Professional boxer who holds the world super lightweight championship
David Norris (81)
Former independent Senator, gay and civil rights activist, and scholar
Róisín Murphy (52)
Singer, songwriter and record producer
Other Irish Trivia From This Week
1985: Dún Laoghaire baths transformed into a water slide park
Dún Laoghaire baths were transformed into Rainbow Rapids, featuring Ireland’s first water slides.
Rainbow Rapids were operational during the summer months and could accommodate up to 250 users per day. The two slides were 300 feet long, and those using the attraction would complete a circle before dropping 40 feet into a plunge pool.
The duration of each ride was approximately 30 seconds, and experts could reach up to 15 miles (24.1km/h).
Looking Ahead
Each Monday, On This Week will bring you a mix of stories from the last 75 years, to celebrate Volkswagen's 75 year anniversary, featuring the big news stories, sporting highlights and major pop culture moments. Volkswagen has been part of those unforgettable moments - driving families to milestones, memories, and moments that matter. Join us every week as we look back at the moments of yesteryear.
For more information visit 75 Years In Ireland | Celebrate our Birthday | VW Ireland
