Occasionally, we take a trip back in time, to the Ireland of bygone days…
Our “Ireland in the Year…” posts are inspired by an Irish documentary television program, Reeling in the Years, which spotlighted political happenings and cultural trends from specific years in Irish history.
This popular program became an Irish sensation. To this day, people enjoy tuning into YouTube clips of this diverting TV program. When you read this post, you’ll get a chance to watch a snippet of Reeling in the Years, for 1985.
To see our other Ireland in the Year posts, please click here.
Now, let’s take a look at Ireland in 1985….this blast from the past should remind you of your own 1985 experience.
What Happened in 1985?
A purported “supernatural” event happened in 1985, when schoolkids from Asdee, County Kerry, reported sightings of a moving statue. This moving statue was also seen in Ballinspittle, County Cork.
Believers felt that the moving statue represented a spiritual message from another world.
Cynics scoffed and portrayed these strange events as mere optical illusions.
In the milieu of professional football, Ireland trounced Scotland in Murrayfield. They Irish team went on to win more matches and claim the 1985 Triple Crown.
During this year, an Air India Boeing 747 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. A terrorist bomb was believed to be the reason why all souls on board died (329 people).
Tragedy struck again later in the year, when dozens of soccer supporters were fatally crushed during a Liverpool fan riot at Heysel Stadium in Brussels. Irish lives were lost during this horrible event.
Despite the desire for divorce legislation, the Irish government continued to defer a referendum on this topic. It was scheduled for 1986..
In other political news for 1985, the Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed on the fifteenth of November. The Republic played a an official role in the North’s affairs. Unionists united in order to protest this, and they vowed to stop the Agreement from going into law.
During this year, the Irish government converted a naval base into a prison for the worst offenders. The prison, Spike Island, was then destroyed in a riot.
Barry McGuigan, an Irish pugilist, was crowned World Featherweight champion during 1985.
Do You Remember the Live Aid Concert?
If you’re of a certain age, you probably remember July 13, 1985. This was the day when Irish rocker Bob Geldof organized his epic Live Aid concert and charity initiative, which was designed to relieve hunger in Africa.
The Irish contributed more per capita than any other nation, undoubtedly due to Geldof’s status as an Irish native. Famous celebrities who donated their time in order to entertain crowds included Duran Duran, Phil Collins, the Boomtown Rats (Geldof’s band), Sting and Tina Turner (among many others).
Hit Songs of Ireland in 1985
Wonderful music filled the Irish airwaves in 1895. Examples of hit tunes that captured the imaginations of Emerald Isle residents included Simple Minds, Alive and Kicking, The Cure’s Close to Me, and the Eurythmics, There Must be an Angel.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this “blast from the past”. Stay tuned for more “Ireland in the Year” blog posts.