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 21st to 28th April.
This Week In Irish News
2012: Paul O'Connell awarded Freedom of Limerick city
Former Ireland and Munster rugby player Paul O'Connell was given the Freedom of the city of Limerick.
O’Connell captained Munster, Ireland, and the British and Irish Lions throughout his career. He is regarded as one of the best second row players in the world, and one of the most outstanding sportsmen of his generation.
Then mayor of Limerick City Jim Long described O’Connell as an icon thanks to his contribution to the world of sport, in particular the game of rugby.
2022: Famous Irish tales recreated on giant tapestry
Over 40 volunteers recreated the Táin Bó Cúailnge - or the Cattle Raid of Cooley - on a giant tapestry.
The tapestry was unveiled at the Táin Arts Centre in Dundalk with each panel depicting a scene from the great tale of the Táin.
Volunteers across counties Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath and Louth all worked on the project.
The famous myth tells the tale of Queen Méabh of Connacht and her husband Ailill, who plot to steal the sacred stud bull Donn Cuailnge from Ulster.
This Week In Irish Sports
2019: Shane Long scores fastest ever Premier League goal
Shane Long put himself in the history books by scoring a goal in 7.69 seconds.
Playing for Southampton against Watford at Vicarage Road, Long blocked down a clearance before lifting the ball over the goalie, putting the Saints ahead and breaking the Premier League record.
He beat the original record by more than two seconds, held by Ledley King, who scored in 9.82 seconds in 2000.
However, it wasn't enough to secure a win for Southampton, as the game ended all square at 1-1.
2015: Champion Tony McCoy signs off chequered career
Tony McCoy ended a prolific career with a third-place finish at the Handicap Hurdle at Sandown.
The rider, who had ridden far more winners over fences than any other jockey, amassed 4,357 victories in Ireland and Britain, including two Cheltenham Gold Cup wins.
McCoy was given a guard of honour from fellow jockeys and serenaded by the entire grandstand, who sang 'For he's a jolly good fellow' before collecting the trophy for a champion jockey for the 20th consecutive year.
This Week In Irish Entertainment
1980: Welcome return for Eurovision winner Johnny Logan and Shay Healy
Eurovision Song Contest winners Johnny Logan and Shay Healy were greeted by supporters at Dublin Airport.
Logan won the Eurovision Song Contest in The Hague, Netherlands, with Shay Healy's song 'What's Another Year’.
It was his first time winning the competition with 'What’s Another Year’, which became a hit all over Europe and took the number one slot in the UK charts.
2024: Hozier becomes fourth Irish artist ever to top US Billboard 100
Hozier became the fourth Irish artist ever to have a No 1 in the US on the Billboard 100 song charts.
'Too Sweet' went to No 1 three weeks after it debuted, surpassing his breakthrough hit ‘Take Me to Church’ which reached No 2 in that chart in 2014.
Hozier joined Sinead O’Connor, U2 and Gilbert O’Sullivan as artists who have reached the pinnacle of the US song charts.
This Week In Irish Culture
1976: Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Cultúrlann opens its new headquarters
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann opened its new headquarters in Monkstown, Co. Dublin.
Cultúrlann na hÉireann provides the organisation with educational facilities, a library, a recording studio, and a performance space.
The organisation was founded in 1951 to revive interest in traditional Irish music, dance, and language, with Cultúrlann na hÉireann helping further that mission.
What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week?
1984: 'Hello' by Lionel Richie
One of his most iconic songs, Lionel Richie's ballad became one of the singer’s most successful songs.
1992: 'Stay' by Shakespears Sister
Initially formed by Irish singer-songwriter Siobhan Fahey, 'Stay' was its first and only number-one hit.
2022: 'As It Was' by Harry Styles
The lead single from his third album, 'As it Was' became the best-selling global single of 2022.
Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week
James McClean (36)
Irish international footballer currently playing for Wrexham.
Róisín Shortall (71)
Founding joint leader of the Social Democrats and longest-serving female TD in the State's history.
Glen Hansard (55)
Singer-songwriter best known for 'Once' which won the Academy Award for best Original Song.
Other Irish Trivia From This Week
1985: Wedding proposal on a billboard
A man from Dun Laoghaire decided to pop the question in a unique way.
Pat Allen from Dalkey and his girlfriend Kathleen Langan from Dun Laoghaire have been together for three years. Wanting the proposal to be different, he made it with a giant billboard in Dalkey.
He had planned it for weeks and had friends help him put it up the night before. Langan was in shock, but thankfully the answer was 'Yes'.
Looking Ahead
Each Monday, On This Week will bring you a mix of stories from the last 75 years, to celebrate Volkswagen's 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
