1986 in Ireland - Definition and Overview

See also: 1985 in Ireland, other events of 1986, 1987 in Ireland and the list of 'years in Ireland'.

Events

• January 2 - The national offices of the Progressive Democrats are officially opened.
• January 4 - Phil Lynott, lead singer with Thin Lizzy, dies aged 35.
• February 11 - Ireland's new soccer team manager, Jack Charlton, arrives in Dublin.
• March 18 - Irish citizenship is conferred on Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tip O'Neill, for inspiring constitutional nationalists to launch a new initiative for a new Ireland.
• March 31 - President Hillery and Mrs. Hillery start a four-day official visit to Austria. This is the first-ever official visit there by an Irish head of state.
• May 6 - The Divorce Action Group launches its campaign for the forthcoming referendum.
• May 30 - Knock Airport, County Mayo is officially opened.
• June 6 - John Stalker is removed from the 'shoot to kill' inquiry.
• June 12 - Two giant pandas, Ming Ming and Ping Ping, arrive at Dublin zoo.
• June 21 - An anti-divorce rally takes place in Dublin.
• June 27 - Across the country counting begins in the Divorce Referendum. Tallymen predict a strong 'no' vote.
• August 7 - The deputy-leader of the DUP, Peter Robinson MP, is arrested as a loyalist mob vandilises a garda barracks in County Monaghan.
• December 25 - Dublin Airport opens for the first time on Christmas Day.
• December 31 - At the United States Embassy in Dublin, visa applications rise by 25%. 30,000 people emigrate during 1986.

Arts and literature

Sports

• Joey Dunlop wins the Formula One motorcycle world championship for the fifth time in a row
• The Northern Ireland football team plays in the World Cup Finals in Mexico, reaching the second round

Births

Deaths

• January 4 - Phil Lynott, singer and songwriter.
• February 10 - James Dillon, former leader of Fine Gael.
• March 1 - Cahir Davitt, lawyer and judge.
• March 4 - Edward McLysaght, Chairman of the Irish Manuscripts Commission.
• March 28 - Edward McAteer, former leader of the Nationalist Party.
• August 1 - James Horan, Roman Catholic monsignor.
• November 16 - Siobhán McKenna, actress.