1985

Schoolchildren claim to have seen a 'moving' statue in Asdee, Co. Kerry. Other reports come from Ballinspittle, Co. Cork. The faithful claim a miraculous event. Sceptics say it is an optical illusion. Ireland beat Scotland at Murrayfield. Wales at Cardiff. England at Lansdowne Road.... and win the 1985 Triple Crown. An Air India Boeing 747 crashes into the Atlantic. A terrorist bomb is the suspected cause. All 329 people on board are killed. Dozens of soccer supporters are crushed to death when Liverpool fans riot at Heysel Stadium in Brussels. The European Cup Final is a disaster. Pressure grows for divorce legislation but the government defers a referendum until next year. After the death of Konstantin Chernenko, Mikhail Gorbachev becomes Party leader. His policy of 'glasnost' (openness) brings change to the Soviet Union. Although the USA pursues its 'Star Wars' plans, relations improve between the superpowers. Barry McGuigan becomes World Featherweight champion. Monaghan cheers on the 'Clones Cyclone'. 13 July 1985 is a day to remember. Bob Geldof organises Live Aid at Wembley. Ireland is the highest 'per capita' donor. Ireland gets a new political party with the formation of the Progressive Democrats. New Zealand: French secret agents blow up a Greenpeace ship.One crew member is killed. France admits its agents acted 'under orders' but continues its nuclear tests anyway. The Anglo-Irish Agreement is signed on 15 November. The Republic gets a formal role in the North's affairs. Unionists unite to say 'No'. They pledge to bring down the Agreement. Spike Island: the government transforms a naval base into a prison for 'joyriding' offenders. The prison is wrecked in a riot. 20,000 teachers attend a rally in Croke Park. They demand a 10 per cent pay award. A clampdown on casual trading brings Dublin's street traders out in force. Playlist: Eurythmics: There Must Be An Angel The Concerned: Show Some Concern Simple Minds: Alive And Kicking U2 : The Unforgettable Fire Fergal Sharkey: A Good Heart Smiths: The Boy With The Thorn In His Side The Cure: Close To Me Tears for Fears: Everybody Wants To Rule... Nik Kershaw: The Riddle Talking Heads: Road To Nowhere Paul Brady: The Island