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 7th to 13th April.
This Week In Irish News
2020: Large super moon graces the night sky across the globe
The largest, brightest super moon of 2020 rose across the globe in April. Skywatchers and budding photographers around the world captured the sight, which appeared in Ireland at the early hour of 3:35am.
A super moon is one that is within 10% of its closest distance to the Earth at the moment of full moon.
There were two more super moons that year in March and May, with April being the biggest and brightest of them.
2015: The world's largest aircraft lands in Shannon Airport
Hundreds of people turned out at Shannon Airport to catch a glimpse of the world’s largest jet.
The Antonov 225 Mriya plane, which weighs over 640 tonnes and has six engines and 32 wheels, touched down for re-fuelling and crew rest.
It landed in Shannon because its 3.2km runway is the only runway in Ireland long enough to accommodate the aircraft's landing and take-off requirements.
The plane would make further appearances in Shannon again, including in June 2020, when it carried the largest consignment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) into Ireland on a single flight.
This Week In Irish Sports
1971: Rule 27 is removed from the GAA constitution
The GAA annual congress voted to remove Rule 27 from its constitution, which prohibited members from playing or attending foreign sports, such as rugby and soccer.
The congress was held for the first time in Ulster, taking place at Queen's University Belfast. The President of the GAA, Pat Fanning, told members that it was one of the most historic occasions for the organisation since its founding in 1884.
2019: Tiger Roll gets homecoming after winning Grand National for second time
Tiger Roll was greeted by over 2,000 people in Summerhill in Co Meath when he returned with his second Grand National title
Less than 24 hours after winning the title, the nine-year-old horse returned home after racing into the history books. Hewas the first horse since Red Rum in 1973/74 to win back-to-back Grand National titles.
Tiger Roll enjoyed an illustrious career including five wins at the Cheltenham Festival, including three victories around the cross-country track.
This Week In Irish Entertainment
1983: End of an era as Thin Lizzy calls it a day
On The Late Late Show, Phil Lynott announced that the hit Irish band Thin Lizzy will disband when their current tour ends.
The host, Gay Byrne, announced that the band's concerts at the RDS would be the last ones they would play in Ireland. After those gigs, they would embark on a farewell world tour named after their final album, 'Thunder and Lightning'.
"You have just watched, my friends, the end of an era," concluded Byrne.
2019: Young Offenders star Chris Walley wins Olivier Award
Chris Walley won Best Supporting Actor at the Olivier theatre awards in London, regarded as the Oscars of the British stage.
The actor, who is best known for playing Jock Murphy on The Young Offenders, was honoured at the Royal Albert Hall for his role as Davey in Martin McDonagh's The Lieutenant of Inishmore.
It was Walley's first role since finishing his studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
This Week In Irish Culture
1991: 'Dancing at Lughnasa' wins Laurence Olivier Award for play of the year.
Brian Friel's play 'Dancing at Lughnasa' won Play of the Year at the British Theatre Awards, making it the first Irish play to win the award.
The play, which was first staged at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 1990, was given the BBC sponsored award by the Society of West End Theatre which organises the event. 'Dancing at Lughnasa' is the first Irish play to win the award.
Accepting the award Brian Friel quoted author Graham Greene by saying "Success is the postponement of failure."
1978: Malahide Castle and gardens opens to the public
Malahide Castle and Estate was officially opened to the public by Dublin County Council.
A fortress and private home for nearly 800 years, the castle was the home of the Talbot family from 1185 to 1973, when the last Lord Talbot died.
It is now a tourist attraction with botanic gardens, a butterfly house, walking trails, and more. In the years since its public opening, it has also hosted international leaders and summits.
What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week?
1964 'Can't Buy Me Love' by The Beatles
The Beatles had 13 number-one hits in Ireland, including 'Can't Buy Me Love.' which was recorded for the album 'A Hard Day's Night.'
2001: 'Uptown Girl' by Westlife
This Billy Joel cover became the best-selling single of 2001 in Ireland and eventually the tenth best-selling single of all time here.
2012: 'Call Me Maybe' by Carly Rae Jepsen
The Canadian singer would release one of the catchiest songs in recent memory with 'Call Me Maybe'.
Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week
Jennifer Zamparelli (45)
TV and radio presenter best known for co-hosting Dancing with the Stars.
Saoirse Ronan (31)
Award-winning actor who starred in Brooklyn, Lady Bird, and Atonement.
Brian McFadden (45)
Pop singer and TV presenter who was a member of Westlife.
Other Irish Trivia From This Week
1989: The time Zig and Zag toured LA
Zig and Zag, along with Ian Dempsey, moved to the home of Hollywood for a week, finishing their tour on 7th April.
For five days, Dempsey's Den broadcasted from major hot spots in Los Angeles, including Universal Studios, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Angel Stadium, and Beverly Hills.
Zig and Zag arrived in Ireland from planet Zog with their dog Zuppy. They were later adopted by Ian Dempsey, which led to their eventual appearances on Dempsey's Den.
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
