This Week In Irish News
1963: The time JFK visited Ireland
Thousands of people took to the streets of Dublin to welcome the then-President of the United States, John F Kennedy, to Ireland.
He was the first serving President from the US to visit Ireland as part of a European tour. He flew from Berlin to Dublin to visit the home of his ancestors, who came from Wexford.
Upon landing, he was greeted by Irish President Éamon de Valera and Taoiseach Seán Lemass.
1981: Fota Wildlife opens to the public
Fota Wildlife Park in Co Cork opened its gates to the public, beginning its conservation efforts.
The park opened on a 70-acre site on Fota Island. It aims to develop breeding programmes to halt the decline of several critically endangered species native to Asia and Africa.
This Week In Irish Sports
1990: Ireland into quarter-finals of Italia 90
The Republic Of Ireland beat Romania in a penalty shootout to progress to the World Cup quarter-finals.
RTÉ commentator George Hamilton gave the iconic line "The nation holds its breath" as David O'Leary stepped forward to take Ireland's final penalty kick.
O'Leary slotted it past the keeper, sending Ireland through.
1998: Sonia O’Sullivan sets new world best times for 2 miles
Sonia O'Sullivan broke the world record for the women's two-mile event at Cork City Sports at the Mardyke Arena.
The athlete shaved nine seconds off her previous best time, hitting a record of 9:19:58.
She held onto the record for over a year until Regina Jacobs later broke it by 8 seconds.
This Week In Irish Entertainment
2006: Digital downloads now included in Irish singles chart
This week marked the first time digital downloads were counted in the Irish singles chart.
Going forward, the charts would be compiled of physical and online sales, but only digital downloads from eight online music shops, such as Bleep, Whip It!, and Easy Music, would be counted.
The move was expected to help young bands break into the charts, and it happened when every one in six sales was in a digital format.
2020: The Den returns for RTÉ Does Comic Relief
Zig and Zag appeared on RTÉ in a special edition of The Den.
Former host Ray D’Arcy was reunited with the two aliens, and Dustin the Turkey, as part of RTÉ does Comic Relief. There were also special guest appearances from Niall Horan and Bob Geldof.
The return was such a success that The Den returned on air later that year.
This Week In Irish Culture
1974: Dublin Pride parade celebrates 40th anniversary
Thousands of people took to the streets of Dublin to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the capital’s Pride parade.
The annual march started on O’Connell Street and headed through the city centre towards Merrion Square.
The first Pride parade took place in June 1983 and crossed the city in the opposite direction, starting from St Stephen’s Green and ending on O’Connell St.
It was also the 50th anniversary of the first LGBTQ+ group in Dublin, the Sexual Liberation Movement in Trinity College.
It was also the 40th anniversary of the march to Fairview Park and the first Dublin Pride Parade, which took place the following June.
What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week?
1986: 'Papa Don’t Preach’ by Madonna
Papa Don’t Preach became Madonna’s fourth number one single in the US.
1997: ‘MMMBop’ by Hanson
The song reached number one in twelve countries, including the United States
2005: 'Axel F' by Crazy Frog
There was no escape from the Crazy Frog who became a worldwide hit with a cover version of the Beverly Hills Cop theme tune.
Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week
Brendan Courtney (54)
Television presenter and fashion designer
Mary McAleese (74)
8th President of the Republic of Ireland from 1997 to 2011
Angeline Ball (57)
Actor best known for The Commitments and Deadly Cuts
Other Irish Trivia From This Week
2002: The time Dustin the Turkey applied to become Ireland’s soccer manager
With Mick McCarthy leaving his position as Republic of Ireland manager in 2002, a host of candidates were considered for the role.
One applicant who threw their name into the ring was Dustin the Turkey, who turned up to the FAI to submit his CV. He claimed he had all the qualities to lead the Irish team, saying he was the man for the job.
Ultimately, he was unsuccessful, with the role eventually going to Brian Kerr.
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
