On This Week: Irish Moments from History (21st - 27th 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 21st - 27th July.
This Week In Irish News
1984: The DART launches between Bray and Howth
Dublin’s first electrified train system was opened between Bray and Howth.
The Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) began public services on 23 July 1984 and was later officially opened by Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerlad in October of that year.
The service would see greater expansion over the years, running to Greystones, Malahide and more.
2009: IKEA opens its doors in Ballymun
Shoppers queued up overnight to be the first ones to enter the first IKEA store in the Republic of Ireland.
Before the grand opening, the queue itself was dotted with references to Sweden, from the flag painted on faces to the Swedish Chef from The Muppets.
A traditional IKEA log-cutting ceremony marked the final countdown to the store's opening, and it was estimated that up to 10,000 people visited the store on its first day.
This Week In Irish Sports
1998: Ireland U18s win European Championship
The Republic of Ireland squad became Under 18 European Champions after beating Germany in a penalty shootout.
Ireland won the shootout by four goals to three, marking the second European Championship win for the country that year. It had already won the UEFA Under-16 title eleven weeks earlier.
The squad featured many future Irish international stars, including Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne, and Gary Doherty. It was managed by Brian Kerr, who would later go on to manage the men’s international team.
2008: Pardraig Harrington does the double
Padraig Harrington joined an exclusive club of golf players after winning the British Open for the second year in a row.
He became the first European in over a century to retain the Open Championship following his victory at Royal Birkdale. He finished the tournament on three over par, four shots ahead of second-place Ian Poulter.
This Week In Irish Entertainment
1982: The Rolling Stones play in Slane Castle
More than 70,000 fans descended to Slane Castle to see The Rolling Stones play in one of the biggest concerts ever staged in Ireland.
Hundreds of balloons were released into the air as the Rolling Stones opened their set with 'Under My Thumb’ with fans cheering on Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Billy Wyman and Charlie Watts.
It was the second concert to be held at the venue in Slane, Co Meath, and saw The J Geils Band, The Chieftains, and George Thorogood and the Destroyers as support acts.
This Week In Irish Culture
1998: Ulysses tops list of best novels
Ulysses was voted the finest English language novel published in the 20th century by a jury of scholars and writers.
The book took the top spot in a list of 100 novels drawn up by the editorial board of Modern Library, which is now part of Random House.
It was followed by The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man’ another Joyce novel and ‘Lolita’ by Vladimir Nabokov.
What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week?
1982: ‘Fame’ by Irene Cara
The iconic song was re-released to mark the Fame TV series and topped the charts in multiple countries
1999: ‘Living la Vida Loca’ by Ricky Martin
‘Living la Vida Loca’ became Martin’s biggest hit and is one of the best selling singles of all time.
2012: ‘Spectrum (Say My Name)’ by Florence and the Machine by Artist
The remix of the album version of Spectrum became the group’s first single to peak at number one on the UK singles chart, and reached number one in Ireland and Scotland.
Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week
Sarah Greene (41)
Actor and singer best known for Penny Dreadful, and Bad Sisters
Steve Collins (61)
Former professional boxer who held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles simultaneously
Rhys McClenaghan (26)
Artistic gymnast from Northern Ireland who is the pommel horse Olympic champion
Other Irish Trivia From This Week
1969: The Cat of The Year show held in Dublin
Cat lovers visited the Mansion House in Dublin to see the best felines in the country as part of the Cat of the Year competition.
Organised by the Siamese Cat Club of Ireland, the show was held under the rules of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of Ireland.
All cats and kittens could compete in the show, from pedigree cats to household pets, where non-pedigrees were judged on good health and temperament.
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
