Welcome to On This Week, where we delve into the standout stories from the years gone by, featuring standout news stories, major sporting events, and pop culture highlights that helped shape Irish life.
Here's your dose of Irish nostalgia from 31st March to 6th April.
This Week In Irish News
1974: Merrion Park is opened to the public
Merrion Park was officially opened to the public this week. The Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Ryan presented the key to Merrion Square to the Chairman of Dublin City Commissioners Fred Mullen who then opened the gate to the public.The square was laid out in 1762 with the gardens created in 1792 The park was purchased from the Pembroke Estate by the Roman Catholic church in 1930 as a site for a cathedral. However, this project never materialised.Prior to the opening, the park was closed to all but the residents of the square who had possession of a private key.
2017: 30km/h speed limit takes effect in parts of Dublin
A 30km/h speed limit was extended to all residential roads within Dublin's canals this week. Originally, the 30km/h zones operated in the core city centre area and in the suburbs of Marino, but was extended to all residential roads between the canals.
Two months later, the next phase would see it extended to eight other suburban areas, including Glasnevin, Donnycarney and Crumlin.
This Week In Irish Sports
2024: Derry outlast Dublin on penalties in epic league final
Derry secured their first League Division 1 title since 2008 as they edged out Dublin on penalties in a thrilling decider.
The game was highly anticipated and met expectations with the score being Dublin 2-21 Derry 3-18 after Dublin forced both extra time and penalties, the latter as Greg McEneaney found the roof of the net in the final play.
But it was Derry who had the cooler heads when it came to penalties, showing the composure necessary to make the difference.
2013: Ireland women's team take victory in Sevens Plate final
Ireland women's team marked their debut at an IRB Women’s Sevens World Series event this week by winning the Plate final in Guangzhou, China.
After losing to New Zealand in the Cup quarter-final, Ireland defeated Australia 15-14 in the Plate semi-final before overcoming the Netherlands 14-10 to take the Plate final victory.
Alison Miller and Jeannette Feighery got the Irish tries, while Claire Keohane added the two conversions.
This Week In Irish Entertainment
2009: Cirque du Soleil comes to Dublin for the first time
The world-famous Cirque du Soleil brought its show Quidam to Irish audiences for the first time.
Originally beginning on the streets of Montreal, Cirque du Soleil became one of the world's best known circus shows. For its trip to Dublin, it brought 50 performers and musicians from around the world to show off their acrobatics.
Cirque du Soleil's arrival to Ireland was 25 years in the making, and had a limited run at Dublin’s O2 Arena from 31st March to 5th April 2009.
What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week?
1978: 'Wuthering Heights' by Kate Bush
The debut single from Kate Bush kicked off a stellar career
1995: 'Back for Good' by Take That
The pop group’s biggest hit single reached number one in multiple countries.
2000: 'Maniac 2000' by Mark McCabe
The iconic tune from Mark McCabe spent ten weeks in the number one spot.
Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week
Victoria Smurfit (51)
Actor best known for roles in Rivals, Ballykissangel, and Once Upon A Time
Michael Fassbender (48)
Actor nominated for two academy awards
Graham Norton (62)
Iconic chat show host, presenter, writer, and comedian
Other Irish Trivia From This Week
2018: The world record for reversing a tractor and trailer was broken
Farmer Patrick Shalvey from Cootehill, Co Cavan, made a new world record for reversing a tractor and trailer, reaching 20.16 kilometres.
He broke the record by 2.8 kilometres, breaking the previous record held by Kerryman Eamonn Hickson who managed 17.36 kilometres in August 2014
To qualify as a record, the entire journey had to be done in reverse using a commercially available tractor and trailer with no modifications.
Looking Ahead
Each Monday, On This Week will bring you a mix of stories from the last 75 years, to celebrate Volkswagens 75 year anniversary, featuring the big news stories, sporting highlights and major pop culture moments. Volkswagen has been part of those unforgettable moments - driving families to milestones, memories, and moments that matter. Join us every week as we look back at the moments of yesteryear.
For more information visit 75 Years In Ireland | Celebrate our Birthday | VW Ireland
