2002

In 2002, Ireland's World Cup campaign was marred by a dispute between captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy, leading to Keane’s departure from the camp. Despite this, Ireland reached the second phase before losing to Spain in a penalty shootout. Fianna Fáil returned to power in Ireland’s general election. In entertainment, Paul McCartney married Heather Mills, and Daniel O'Donnell married Majella McLennan. The Taliban were ousted from Afghanistan, and tensions rose over Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction. In pop culture, Nadine Coyle was dropped from Six for lying about her age but later joined Girls Aloud. The Euro replaced the punt in Ireland, new driving penalties were introduced, and plastic bag levies were imposed. Golfer Paul McGinley helped Europe win the Ryder Cup, and Armagh won its first All-Ireland football title.