1990

Brian Lenihan's Presidential campaign runs into trouble as a taped conversation is made public. In order to stay in power, Charles Haughey sacks Brian Lenihan. A new candidate challenges the old order. On 9 November 1990, Mary Robinson is elected President. After 1,597 days as a hostage in Beirut, Brian Keenan is reunited with his family. He travels home to Belfast. Cardinal Tomas O Fiaich dies while on pilgrimage to Lourdes. Bishop Cahal Daly becomes Primate of All Ireland. After forty-five years of division, East and West Germany are reunified. South Africa: Nelson Mandela is freed after twenty-six years in jail. 'Nighthawks' brings announcer Blaithin Keaveney to the nation. The Channel Tunnel: French and British workers join up under the sea in the latest link to Europe's transport network. Ireland gets ready for its first-ever World Cup Finals. Monday 11 June: Ireland draw 1-1 with England. A lacklustre draw with Egypt follows. Ireland v. Holland: A third drawn game puts Ireland through to the second round. Ireland v. Romania, Monday 25 June. Ireland qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals. The nation celebrates. Saturday 30 June: Ireland lose 1-0 to Italy. The World Cup is eventually won by West Germany. On 1 July, the Irish team returns to Dublin. Kuwait, 2 August 1990: Iraq invades and annexes its neighbour. Saddam Hussein defies international demands to pull his forces back out of Kuwait. Saddam takes Western hostages as 'human shields'. The United Nations imposes an economic blockade on Iraq. Arab and Western countries assemble a huge military force. The threat of war looms. The IRA uses 'proxy bombs' to attack border posts. Civilian drivers are forced to carry bombs in their cars. IRA members then detonate the bombs by remote control. A civilian driver and six soldiers are killed. Cork's hurlers beat Galway in the All- Ireland Hurling Final. Cork's footballers then complete a remarkable GAA double. Sam Maguire and Liam McCarthy travel to Cork. Margaret Thatcher fights to stay on as Tory party leader. After Michael Heseltine's challenge fails, John Major emerges as the victor. 28 November 1990: Margaret Thatcher steps down as British Prime Minister. Playlist: EMF - Unbelievable Something Happens - Hello, Hello, Hello...... The Charlatans - The Only One I Know Enigma - Sadness Part One Happy Mondays - Step On Liam Harrison/Goal Celebrities - Give It A Lash, Jack Jack Charlton/ Ireland Team - Put 'Em Under Pressure Pavarotti - Nessun Dorma The LA's - There She Goes B52's - Roam Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U Kylie Minogue - Better The Devil You Know The Sawdoctors - I Usedta Lover