2002 in Ireland
See also:
2001 in Ireland,
other events of 2002,
2003 in Ireland and the
list of 'years in Ireland'.
*
January 1 - The
Euro is introduced across the
European Union. The people of
Ireland adapt without any major confusion.
*
January 9 - Former
Soviet leader
Mikhail Gorbachev receives the
Freedom of Dublin.*
April 2 -
Brendan Comiskey, the Catholic Bishop of Ferns resigns after criticism of his handling of abuses cases in the diocese.
*
April 5 - The first recruits of the new
Police Service of Northern Ireland graduate.
*
May 17 - The
Fianna Fáil-
Progressive Democrats coalition is re-elected. It is the first government to be re-elected since
1969.
*
May 23 -
Republic of Ireland player
Roy Keane is sent home from the
World Cup over an argument with manager
Mick McCarthy and several players.
*
June 1 - The Republic of Ireland draw 1-1 with
Cameroon in their opening game of the World Cup.
*
June 5 - The Republic of Ireland draw 1-1 with
Germany in the World Cup.
*
June 11 - The Republic of Ireland beat
Saudi Arabia 3-0 and qualify for the second round of the World Cup.
*
June 16 - The Republic of Ireland lose 3-2 on penalties to
Spain.
*
October 11 -
Geraldine Kennedy is appointed the first female editor of the
Irish Times.
*
October 14 - As of midnight the
Northern Ireland Assembly and the Executive are suspended by order of the Secretary of State.
*
October 19 - Irish voters accept the
Nice Treaty in the second referendum held on the issue.
*
General Election - The
Fianna Fáil-
Progressive Democrats government is returned to power. Fianna Fáil achieve 80 seats, just 4 short of an overall majority.
Fine Gael lose 23 seats and the
Labour Party remain static. Increased support for
Sinn Féin results in 4 extra
TDs.
Michael Noonan resigns as leader of Fine Gael and
Ruairí Quinn resigns as leader of the Labour Party.
*
Football World Cup - The
Republic of Ireland reach the last sixteen of the competition but lose out to
Spain in a penalty shoot-out.
*
All-Ireland Hurling Final - Kilkenny 2-20, Clare 0-19.
*
All-Ireland Football Final - Armagh 1-12, Kerry 0-14
*
January 17 -
Jim Tunney, former
Fianna Fáil politician.
*
February 27 -
Spike Milligan, comedian.
*
May 17 -
James Chichester-Clark, former Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
*
May 30 -
John B. Keane, author and playwright.
*
October 17 -
Derek Bell, harpist and composer.
*
October 25 -
Richard Harris, actor.
*
December 2 -
Jim Mitchell, former
Fine Gael TD and Cabinet Minister.
