2002 in Ireland - Definition and Overview

See also: 2001 in Ireland, other events of 2002, 2003 in Ireland and the list of 'years in Ireland'.

Events

• 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 Assembley and the Executive are susepended by order of the Secretary of State.
• October 19 - Irish voters accept the Nice Treaty in the second referendum held on the issue.

Arts and literature

Politics

• 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.

Sports

• 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

Births

Deaths

• 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.