Season 2 - 1990's

Brian Lenihan’s presidential campaign falters after a taped conversation is leaked, leading Charles Haughey to sack him to maintain power. On November 9, 1990, Mary Robinson is elected President. Brian Keenan is freed after 1,597 days as a hostage in Beirut. Cardinal Tomas O'Fiaich dies, and Bishop Cahal Daly becomes Primate of All Ireland. Germany reunifies after 45 years, and Nelson Mandela is freed after 26 years in prison. The Channel Tunnel connects France and Britain, and Ireland prepares for its first-ever World Cup. Ireland’s team advances to the quarter-finals but loses to Italy. On August 2, 1990, Iraq invades Kuwait, leading to international tensions. The IRA uses 'proxy bombs', killing civilians and soldiers. Cork’s hurlers and footballers win All-Ireland titles. Margaret Thatcher resigns as Prime Minister on November 28, 1990.

In 1991, Ian Paisley protested in Dublin against Northern Secretary Peter Brooke's decision to resume the Anglo-Irish Conference. In the World Cup, Ireland’s close loss to Australia in the quarter-finals captured attention. The Gulf War began with Operation Desert Storm, but a tragic incident occurred when a smart bomb hit a civilian shelter in Baghdad, killing hundreds. The war led to 50,000 deaths and ecological damage from oil fires. In Europe, the Maastricht Treaty set 1999 for a single currency. Corruption scandals hit Irish companies like Greencore and Telecom Eireann. In March, the Birmingham Six were freed after wrongful convictions. Meanwhile, economic challenges led many Irish citizens to emigrate. The Yugoslav conflict worsened, and in the USSR, hardline Communists attempted a coup, only to be defeated by Boris Yeltsin. In sports, Meath lost to Down in the All-Ireland Final, and Fianna Fáil saw a leadership contest with Albert Reynolds challenging Charles Haughey.

In 1992, Ireland's High Court initially prevents a 14-year-old from travelling for an abortion, sparking the 'X' Case debate and a referendum. Unemployment hits record levels, with 290,000 out of work, particularly in Cork. The Labour Party in Britain seems poised for victory, but John Major leads the Tories to a fourth successive win. Joe Hendron of the SDLP wins the West Belfast seat from Gerry Adams. Los Angeles experiences the Rodney King race riots after four policemen are acquitted. RTÉ goes on strike for six weeks. Sean Doherty implicates Charles Haughey in a phone-tapping scandal, leading to Haughey's resignation and Albert Reynolds becoming Taoiseach. Dr. Eamonn Casey flees after admitting an affair. In sports, Ireland celebrates Michael Carruth’s Olympic gold. Bill Clinton wins the U.S. presidency. Political instability marks 1992, including the Beef Tribunal and a hung election.

In 1993, Bill Clinton became the 42nd President of the USA. F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize as South Africa moved towards majority rule. Israeli and Palestinian leaders signed a peace deal granting limited self-rule to Palestinian areas. Ireland formed a new coalition government, and Albert Reynolds was re-elected Taoiseach. Niamh Kavanagh won the Eurovision Song Contest with "In Your Eyes." The Waco siege ended tragically with 80 deaths. Russia faced a constitutional crisis, and the military crushed a rebellion. Northern Ireland's World Cup hopes were dashed in a draw with the Republic. Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first female president, met both Gerry Adams and Queen Elizabeth. The IRA's bombing in Warrington led to peace demonstrations. Aer Lingus began direct US flights, while Galway faced job losses from a plant closure. The year ended with the signing of the Downing Street Declaration for Northern Ireland peace talks.

In 1994, O.J. Simpson was arrested for the murder of his ex-wife and her friend. The film Braveheart faced issues during filming, and Boris Yeltsin’s visit to Ireland was cut short. New drink-driving laws were introduced in Ireland, sparking rural discontent. In the World Cup, Ireland lost to Mexico and Holland, while Brazil won the tournament. Riverdance became a hit at Eurovision, where Ireland claimed its third consecutive win. The Rwandan genocide erupted, and the UN's response was insufficient. In Northern Ireland, sectarian violence continued, but peace efforts advanced with ceasefires from the IRA and loyalists. The government in Ireland collapsed over a scandal, leading to the resignation of Taoiseach Albert Reynolds. John Bruton became Taoiseach in December, ushering in a period of economic improvement and hope for peace.

On 15 February 1995, England supporters riot at Lansdowne Road during a match against Ireland, causing the game to be abandoned and injuring 50 people. France conducts nuclear tests in the South Pacific, facing local and global opposition. Ireland's Hepatitis C scandal, caused by contaminated blood products, spans over 18 years, with anger over health officials' failure to act. In Oklahoma City, a bomb blast kills 168, carried out by right-wing extremists. Ireland's referendum on divorce sees a narrow win for "Yes." Workers protest the closure of the Irish Press due to debts. Prince Charles visits Ireland, and Dublin wins its first All-Ireland Football Final in 12 years. Bosnia's civil war ends with Western intervention. Ireland hosts Eurovision for the third year. In December, O.J. Simpson awaits his verdict, and Ireland bids farewell to Jack Charlton after a disappointing Euro 1996 campaign.

In 1996, Dublin's Millennium Clock was launched but lasted only nine months. Teilifís na Gaeilge, Ireland's new TV service, debuted from Connemara. The BSE crisis, blamed on British animal feed practices, led to a drop in beef prices and affected Ireland’s EU Presidency. George Mitchell advanced Ireland's peace process, while the IRA ended its ceasefire with bomb attacks in London and Manchester. The Stormont talks began, though Unionist opposition remained strong. The Orangemen were permitted to march after loyalist violence. Ireland saw its first on-screen gay kiss in Fair City. The Spice Girls dominated pop music. Veronica Guerin was murdered, prompting a crackdown on crime. The Goldenbridge abuse allegations increased scrutiny of the Catholic Church. At the Atlanta Olympics, Michelle Smith won three gold medals amid drug rumors, and Ireland triumphed at Eurovision. Minister Michael Lowry resigned over financial scandals.

In 1997, Radio Ireland is launched on St. Patrick's Day. Hong Kong returns to China after the end of Britain's 99-year lease. Ireland sees a government shift with Fianna Fáil and PDs replacing the Rainbow Coalition, supported by Independents. The UK Tories lose power to 'New Labour,' and Louise Woodward's conviction is reduced. Ireland faces a crisis in its immigration system, while Albania collapses into anarchy after pyramid scheme failures. Princess Diana and Mother Teresa die, triggering public mourning. The IRA calls a ceasefire, and Sinn Féin joins peace talks. The Spice Girls dominate pop music, and Clare wins the All-Ireland Hurling Final. Mary Robinson becomes UN High Commissioner, and Mary McAleese wins the Irish presidency. Dolly the Sheep sparks cloning debates, and the McCracken Tribunal uncovers corruption. The 'Pathfinder' probe successfully visits Mars, and Comet Hale-Bopp reaches Earth after 4,000 years.

In 1998, Ireland saw significant changes and events. TV3 launched in September, and a scandal hit the National Irish Bank over improper customer charges. Car-clamping began in Dublin, and the economy boomed, with unemployment dropping and foreign investment rising. Bill Clinton faced a major scandal over an alleged affair, while historic peace talks at Stormont led to the Good Friday Agreement, which saw overwhelming support in the Republic and mixed reactions in the North. Former dictator Augusto Pinochet was arrested in London. In sports, Ireland had a memorable year, with soccer teams winning European championships, while tragedy struck in Omagh, where a bomb killed 29 people. Ireland also hosted the Tour de France and saw political protests over police pay.

In 1999, Telecom Eireann shares are bought by 500,000 people, and a solar eclipse darkens most of Europe. MTV Europe's Music Awards bring stars to the Point Depot. Controversy follows the early release of Philip Sheedy, leading to resignations. Terry Keane reveals her affair with Charles Haughey. Irish soccer faces disappointment as Ireland fails to qualify for the European Finals. The North achieves devolution and a new British-Irish Agreement is signed. Jack Lynch is mourned in Cork. Tribunals reveal corruption, and George Redmond is questioned. The Ansbacher scandal unveils secret accounts. Finance Minister McCreevy's Budget sparks anger. East Timor votes for independence, while the US Senate acquits Clinton in the Lewinsky scandal. Nurses strike over pay, and Dana wins in the European elections. Policing reforms meet mixed reactions in Northern Ireland. Gay Byrne bids farewell after 37 years. The millennium is marked with celebrations and Newgrange's solstice.