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On This Week: Bowie heads Slane and a 1-0 win over England
On This Week: Irish Moments from History (9th - 15th June)
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 9th - 15th June.
This Week In Irish News
1971: Henry Street takes first steps towards pedestrianisation
Henry Street, Dublin's busiest shopping street, was opened as a pedestrianised street for a four-week period.
It was the first of its kind in the city, with trees, plants, and park benches in the middle of the road.
The street would be permanently pedestrianised in 1982.
1997: Mary Robinson becomes UN's High Commissioner For Human Rights
Mary Robinson was appointed as the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights.
She was endorsed for the position by the outgoing government under Taoiseach John Bruton.
She resigned from the office of President a month later, before her term was to finish, to take the role, which she continued until 2002.
This Week In Irish Sports
1987: Stephen Roche wins Giro d'Italia
Stephen Roche became the first Irishman to win the Giro d'Italia.
The victory didn't come easily. Despite orders from his team, Roche rode ahead of teammate Visentini to take the race lead. For the remaining stages, he had to battle with his own team, the Italian press and the Italian public to win it.
Roche became the second of three cyclists to win the Triple Crown of victories within one year, which also included the Tour De France and the World Championships.
1988: Ireland beat England 1-0 In Euro 1988
Ireland marked its first match in a major soccer championship tournament with a 1-0 win against England.
In the group stages of the Euro 1988 tournament, Ireland faced England in Stuttgart, Germany. Ray Houghton found the net in six minutes to secure Ireland's victory.
This Week In Irish Entertainment
1987: David Bowie heads Slane Concert
David Bowie marked his first time playing in Ireland by headlining the Slane Castle concert.
He brought his band over as part of the 'Glass Spider Tour' and was supported by Aslan, Big Country, and The Groove.
2024: Kid rappers release viral hit The Spark as single
Viral song The Spark, which features the talents of young rappers from Cork and Clare, was released as a single.
The song was a hit online, receiving over 350 million views in three weeks. It was made in two days as part of Cruinniú na nÓg, Europe's only national free day of creativity for young people.
The children performing are from the Kabin Crew in Knocknaheeny, North Cork and the Lisdoonvarna Crew in Clare.
This Week In Irish Culture
1967: Countess Constance Markievicz remembered in Rathmines
A plaque in memory of Countess Constance Markievicz is unveiled at her former home in Rathmines.
The house was an unofficial meeting point for Na Fianna Éireann, an Irish nationalist youth organisation founded by Bulmer Hobson and Constance Markievicz in 1909.
Countess Markievicz was deeply committed to feminism, republicanism, and socialism. She became the first woman elected to the House of Commons and the first female TD in Dáil Éireann. She also served as Minister for Labour in the first Dáil Éireann government.
2021: Ireland's first clock museum opens in Waterford
The National Museum of Time, Ireland's first horological museum opened in Waterford city.
The museum is dedicated to clocks and watches dating back hundreds of years in some cases, and is located in a refurbished church at Greyfriars in Waterford's Viking Triangle.
Along with the oldest Irish clocks, the museum also has pieces from around the world, including from the US, UK, France, Austria, Switzerland, and Japan.
What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week?
1984: 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' by Wham!
Written and produced by George Michael, the Iconic hit became the band's first UK and US number one.
1992: 'Jump' by Kris Kross
The hip-hop duo achieved international success, topping charts in the US, Ireland, Australia, and Canada.
2000: 'Gotta Tell You' by Samantha Mumba
Mumba's debut single was a hit internationally, spending 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week
Stephanie Roche (36)
Former Irish footballer who played for the Republic of Ireland and Shamrock Rovers.
Mairead McGuinness (66)
Former vice-president of the European Parliament.
Gary Lightbody (49)
Lead singer of the alt-rock band Snow Patrol.
Other Irish Trivia From This Week
1986: Birth number 39 for Ireland's oldest cow
Big Bertha makes news around the world after successfully completing her 39th pregnancy at home in County Kerry.
The cow went on to hold two Guinness World Records, as the oldest cow recorded - she passed away at the age of 48 years and 9 months - and for lifetime breeding, having produced 39 calves.
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.
