On This Week: Irish Moments from History (14th - 20th 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 14th - 20th July.
This Week In Irish News
1974: Women 'invade' the Forty Foot
Before 1974, the Forty Foot was traditionally a men-only spot until a group of women decided to protest by gathering and swimming there.
The Dublin City Women’s Invasionary Force protested on the shore with placards and took to the waters located in Sandycove, Dublin.
Since the protest, women have been swimming at the Forty Foot.
1979: Cork gets first female bus conductors in Ireland
For the first time in Ireland, three female bus conductors were employed by CIE in Cork City.
The three women taken on were Geraldine Horgan, a former hospital attendant; Angela Stout, a retired bus conductor on London Transport; and Maura Wallace, who holds a Diploma in Youth and Community Work.
The women were employed under the same conditions as the male conductors, earning the same wages and wearing the same uniforms.
This Week In Irish Sports
1972: Muhammad Ali wins fight against Al ‘Blue’ Lewis in Croke Park
Heavyweight boxers Muhammad Ali and Al 'Blue' Lewis met in the ring in Croke Park on 19 July 1972 in a non-title fight.
The eagerly anticipated fight saw Ali beat Lewis in the 11th round by a technical knockout. After the fight, Ali gave credit to his opponent, saying he was awkward to fight and that he "hit him a lot of times, but he just coming through and through".
Ali's next fight would be against former world Champion Floyd Patterson, which he won.
2013: Ireland’s women's football team kick off first World Cup campaign
Ireland’s women’s football team arrived for their first World Cup, where they played Australia, Nigeria, and Canada in Group B.
Ireland opened the tournament by playing the hosts, Australia, in front of a 75,784-strong crowd. Despite a spirited and hard-fought performance, the hosts won 1-0 thanks to a 52nd-minute penalty from Steph Catley.
This Week In Irish Entertainment
1987: Having a Lark in the Park for the fifth time
The fifth successive ‘Lark in the Park’, a free rock music concert, took place in St Anne’s Park, Raheny in Dublin.
The Lark in the Park was a series of free, open-air music concerts held in public parks, organised by RTÉ Radio 2 and In Dublin magazine.
For the first time, the concert had five acts instead of four, with Touchdown, Montage, Blue In Heaven, Lord John White, and The Subterraneans all performing.
This Week In Irish Culture
1966: The New Abbey Theatre opens its doors
The President of Ireland, Éamon de Valera, officially opened the new Abbey Theatre in Dublin.
It marked fifteen years to the day since the old Abbey was destroyed by fire, except for the front offices and the vestibule.
The theatre was designed by architect Michael Scott and was built on the site of the old theatre.
1993: Mayo celebrates 5,000 years
Ballina in Co Mayo was the site for celebrating Mayo 5000 with pageantry, fireworks and a Beat on the Street.
Mayo 5000 was a year-long cultural celebration of 5,000 years of rural settlement in the county. The 2FM roadshow provided entertainment with a three-hour Beat on the Street.
Then, there was a colourful pageant telling the county’s history throughout the ages with President Mary Robinson as the guest of honour before ending with a spectacular fireworks display.
What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week?
1972: ‘Ooh-Wakka-Doo-Wakka-Day’ by Gilbert O’Sullivan
The song was the first of three consecutive number ones on the Irish Singles Chart for O’Sullivan.
1986: ‘The Lady in Red’ by Chris de Burgh
The song was responsible for introducing de Burgh to a mainstream international audience, reaching number one in several countries.
2013: ‘I’m Glad You Came’ by The Wanted
The Wanted’s second single peaked at number one in the UK and Ireland, and reached number two in the US.
Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week
Michael Flatley (67)
Former professional dancer and choreographer, best known for Riverdance.
Annie Mac (47)
DJ, broadcaster, and writer who has hosted shows on BBC Radio 1.
James Kavanagh (36)
Influencer, and presenter who co-hosts ‘The Simpler Life?’ podcast.
Other Irish Trivia From This Week
2008: When the Smurfs descended onto Castleblayney
Castleblayney in Monaghan enters the Guinness Book of Records by holding a meeting of 1,253 Smurfs.
To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the popular cartoon characters ‘The Smurfs’, the people of Castleblayney broke the record for the most Smurfs gathered in one place.
The record attempt was conducted as part of a local festival, with the effort exceeding the previous record of just over 500 people, which was set in Croatia.
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
