1999

In 1999, Telecom Eireann shares are bought by 500,000 people, and a solar eclipse darkens most of Europe. MTV Europe's Music Awards bring stars to the Point Depot. Controversy follows the early release of Philip Sheedy, leading to resignations. Terry Keane reveals her affair with Charles Haughey. Irish soccer faces disappointment as Ireland fails to qualify for the European Finals. The North achieves devolution and a new British-Irish Agreement is signed. Jack Lynch is mourned in Cork. Tribunals reveal corruption, and George Redmond is questioned. The Ansbacher scandal unveils secret accounts. Finance Minister McCreevy's Budget sparks anger. East Timor votes for independence, while the US Senate acquits Clinton in the Lewinsky scandal. Nurses strike over pay, and Dana wins in the European elections. Policing reforms meet mixed reactions in Northern Ireland. Gay Byrne bids farewell after 37 years. The millennium is marked with celebrations and Newgrange's solstice.