On This Week: Irish Moments from History (7th - 13th 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 7th - 13th July.
This Week In Irish News
1985: Ryanair launches its first route
Ryanair launched its first scheduled service with a flight from Waterford to London Gatwick Airport.
It was the first route launched by the company and was a daily service. It also marked the first international scheduled air service from Waterford, making it Ireland's fourth international airport.
2010: The case of the kidnapped penguin from Dublin Zoo
A penguin was stolen from Dublin Zoo and was later found at Rutland Street.
Kelli, a 10-year-old female penguin, was captured at 8:30am before the zoo opened. She was later found and returned by Gardai from Store Street.
Kelli was returned to the penguin habitat after a vet inspection found she had no injuries.
This Week In Irish Sports
1998: Ireland welcomes the 85th Tour de France
The first two stages of the iconic cycling race, the Tour de France, took place in Ireland.
The 85th edition saw the first stage held in counties Wicklow and Dublin, where it finished in Phoenix Park. The stage winner was Tom Steels from Belgium.
The second stage began in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, and ended in Cork, with Svorada Ján from the Czech Republic crossing the finish line first.
2022: Westmeath win the inaugural Tailteann Cup
A late goal from Kieran Martin capped a dramatic comeback that helped Westmeath secure the inaugural Tailteann Cup title.
Three points down when approaching the hour mark, Westmeath scored 1-04 to beat the tournament favourites Cavan and secure the title.
The final score was Cavan 1-13 Westmeath 2-14.
This Week In Irish Entertainment
2005: 'The Wind That Shakes The Barley’ begins shooting in Cork
Bandon in Co Cork was transformed for Ken Loach’s film ‘The Wind that Shakes the Barley’.
The movie, which starred Cillian Murphy, Pádraic Delaney, Liam Cunningham, and Orla Fitzgerald, was set during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War.
Loach, known for his realistic portrayal of working-class heroes, said the movie tackled the thorny subject of Irish nationalism.
2015: Coláiste Lurgan release as Gaeilge cover of Cheerleader
Coláiste Lurgan released another as Gaeilge cover over the summer, OMI's chart-topping hit, Cheerleader, which received over 2.7 million views.
The summer school, based in the Connemara Gaeltacht village of Indreabhán, had released cover versions of hit songs as Gaeilge; its first one was a cover of Avicii's Wake Me Up in 2013.
The school has given other famous hits an Irish spin, such as Adele’s 'Hello' and Hozier's 'Take Me to Church.'
This Week In Irish Culture
1998: Carnival marks Dublin's 1,000th birthday
Dublin city marked its 1,000th birthday with a weekend-long street carnival.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Ben Briscoe launched the massive Dublin Street Carnival, which began with a parade of over 200 performers in full costume, led by the New Jersey Emerald Pipe Band.
Over the weekend, hundreds of events took place, featuring entertainers, musicians, clowns, and jugglers performing around Dublin city centre.
What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week?
1970: ‘In The Summertime’ by Mungo Jerry
The British rock band sold 30 million copies of the song, which celebrates the carefree days of summer.
1991: ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It for You’ by Bryan Adams
Written for the film ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’, the power ballet reached number one in over 19 countries.
2001: ‘Lady Marmalade’ by Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mýa & Pink
Originally a hit in 1974 from US funk rock group LaBelle, Lady Marmalade hit number one again as a cover for the musical film ‘Moulin Rouge’.
Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week
Eve Hewson (34)
Actor best known for Bad Sisters, and The Perfect Couple
Robbie Keane (45)
Former footballer who is the record scorer for The Republic of Ireland
Imelda May (51)
Signer, songwriter and TV presenter who has released six albums over her career
Other Irish Trivia From This Week
1989: When the Harlem Globetrotters visited Dublin
The Harlem Globetrotters, a US exhibition basketball team, came to Ireland to showcase their skills.
The team was playing against arch-rivals The Washington Generals at Neptune Stadium in Cork. Before they arrived, members of the team - Quentin Jones, Memphis Douglas and Tyrone 'Hollywood' Brown - took the time to meet and greet children who were part of the Aer Lingus Sports Club at Dublin Airport.
They demonstrated their skills for the young Irish players and taught them a few tricks in the process.
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
