We have reached the penultimate day of this year's State Paper release - and today carries a bit of a sporting theme.
Two of today's main stories centre around the Republic of Ireland national team.
In February 1995, the infamous Lansdowne Road riot happened during a friendly game between the Republic of Ireland and England.
The Boys in Green had taken the lead through a David Kelly goal before English hooligans forced the match to be abandoned after just 27 minutes.
Files released for the first time today show that government ministers were told that garda reserve numbers at the stadium were "insufficient", and the FAI had "not clearly understood or remembered" pre-game safety information.
Interestingly, one result of the riot was a change in where away fans are located in the stadium - something that largely continues today, and a recent talking point following Ireland's qualification for next year's World Cup playoffs.
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has said moving the away fans from their current behind-the-goal lower deck position should be considered.
[Based on document 2025/115/986]
Embassy to the rescue for standed Irish fans at USA '94
In a separate, but also football-related, file published for the first time today, details of how Irish embassy officials in the US gave thousands of pounds worth of World Cup tickets to Irish fans ahead of the 1994 World Cup.
It happened after British travel firm Sportex was wound up while fans were in the US, meaning planned hotels and tickets for the Republic of Ireland's three group games were suddenly unavailable.
USA '94 is fondly remembered for Ray Houghton's heroic goal over Italy in a famous 1-0 victory which helped Jack Charlton's men qualify from the group stages.
The tournament is remembered just as fondly for the actions of Irish fans, who were praised for their large numbers, creative ways of getting more tickets than expected, and friendly non-aggressive nature.
However, that well-earned public image was almost ruined after more than 300 fans were left ticketless due to Sportex going bust.
However, the embassy stepped in as they feared the incident could lead to a "riotous situation".
[Based on documents 2025/124/180 and 2025/124/178]
Stormontgate raid led to tensions between Irish and UK government officials
Newly-released files today also show how tensions broke out between officials from the Irish and UK governments in the aftermath of Stormontgate.
Stormontgate was the name given to a PSNI raid on Sinn Féin offices in Stormont on 4 October 2002.
Four members of the party were arrested following the operation.
The raid was carried out to retrieve documents from an alleged IRA spy ring.
Irish officials were "deeply" concerned about the "grave implications" the incident could have for the political process at the time, newly-released State Papers confirm.
In December 2005, all charges from Stormontgate were dropped with the PSNI confirming that its investigation was over.
[Based on document 2025/127/105]
PIRA laundered tens of millions through NI construction industry
Another document released as part of the State Papers related to Northern Ireland shows how the Provisional IRA and other paramilitary groups laundered tens of millions of pounds sterling every year through the Northern Ireland construction centre in the final years leading up to ceasefires and peace talks.
This was taking place due to a number of factors including "pay up or else" extortion, social security and inland revenue, and VAT frauds, a "doubling up" of workers' social welfare payments and other long-stated criminal money washing tactics.
Construction costs rose as much as 10% per project, the new files shows.
[Based on document 2023/50/387]
Overcrowding a significant issue at UHL 45 years ago
Almost half a century ago, overcrowding and a lack of bed capacity was identified as a major issue at Limerick Regional Hospital, another new document released under the State Papers shows.
Today, what is now University Hospital Limerick regularly tops waiting lists for hospital beds - but the overcrowding situation around 1979 and 1980 prompted repeated efforts by health officials to address it.
This ranged from pleas to secure extra bed capacity, assessing beds in other Limerick facilities, hiring extra nurses and securing the appointment of more consultants.
[Based on document 2025/161/17]
