On This Week: Irish Moments from History (4th - 10th August)
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 4th - 10th August.
This Week In Irish News
1982: First Irishman completes solo sail across the globe
Declan Mackell became the first Irishman to sail around the world single-handed.
The Belfast man circumnavigated the globe alone in a Contessa 21 named Sean-Ois, completing his journey at Strangford Lough. He eventually sailed up to Portaferry in Co Down, where his parents and well-wishers welcomed him.
2005: Irish woman collects €115 million prize from European lottery
Limerick woman Dolores McNamara claimed over €115 million in the Euromillions, the biggest jackpot in European lottery history at the time.
The winner arrived at the National Lottery Headquarters to collect her prize, which was the largest ever amount won in a Euromillions draw in Ireland.
This Week In Irish Sports
2012: Katie Taylor takes the gold at London 2012 Olympics
Katie Taylor completed a lifelong dream by becoming an Olympic champion at the London 2012 Games.
Cheered on by a capacity crowd, Taylor dug deep to beat Russia's Sofya Ochigava 10-8 in the women's lightweight final at the ExCel Arena.
There was a long delay after the closing bell, making the wait unbearable, before the referee raised Taylor’s hand, sending the crowd into rapture.
2024: Armagh edge Galway to win second All-Ireland title
Armagh pipped Galway in a tense and suffocating decider to win their second-ever All-Ireland title since 2002.
The contest, which was the first Ulster-Connacht decider since 2021 and only the ninth in the association's history, produced a cagey opening 35 minutes.
But the crucial difference was a goal from Aaron McKay in the 46th minute. Galway was a point ahead at that point, and the goal gave Armagh the momentum it needed to win.
The game finished Armagh 1-11 Galway 0-13
This Week In Irish Entertainment
1987: Cork welcomes U2 for Joshua Tree tour
Over 50,000 fans turned out to watch U2 play at Park Ui Chaoimh.
The band were riding high after the release of the Joshua Tree, and arrived when the band’s single 'I still haven’t found what I’m looking for’ went number one in the United States.
The gig was the final show on the European leg of the Joshua Tree tour, with UB40, The Dubliners, and The Subterraneans providing support.
2019: Aisling Bea’s comedy receives rave reviews
Irish comedian Aisling Bea’s new series This Way Up made its debut on UK’s Channel 4 to rave reviews.
The show features Bea playing the main character alongside Sharon Horgan, who plays her sister. Bea won a BAFTA for Breakthrough Talent Award and was nominated for Best Female Comedy Performance at the BAFTAs for the second series.
This Week In Irish Culture
2004: RTÉ's Irish-language series Scannal makes its debut
RTÉ series Scannal makes its debut on Irish television.
The Irish-language series examines pivotal moments in Irish social history, tracing the scandals that have shaped the country. The show delved deeper by examining the impact of significant events on individuals, families, and the communities at their heart.
What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week?
1979: ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ by The Boomtown Rats
From their third album ‘The Fine Art of Surfacing’, it was the band’s second number one in the UK charts.
1995: ‘So Good’ by Boyzone
The song was Boyzone’s third consecutive number one single in Ireland .
2006: ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ by Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean
Shakira’s song broke the record for most radio plays in a single week and was the fastest-selling digital download in the US.
Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week
The Edge (64)
Lead guitarist for U2
Maïa Dunphy (49)
Television producer, broadcaster, writer and radio and TV presenter
Roy Keane (54)
Football pundit, and former professional footballer for Man Utd and Ireland
Other Irish Trivia From This Week
1979: When Limerick got its first post woman
Residents in the Ennis Road area of Limerick had their mail delivered by a woman.
The first postlady in the city was 18-year-old Patricia Dollard. Before she became one, she was working in the Telegrams section of Limerick’s Post Office.
When the role of postman was advertised, it was open to both men and women. Following an interview and examination, Dollard was announced as the successful candidate.
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
