1986

1986 sees strong Unionist opposition to the Anglo-Irish Agreement. Tragedy strikes with the Challenger disaster and the Chernobyl explosion. In Lebanon, Belfastman Brian Keenan is kidnapped. Hurricane Charlie devastates parts of Ireland. John Stalker is removed from his RUC investigation. A Dublin refuse strike leads to army intervention. The Irish Sweepstakes ends after 56 years. Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew marry. The Self Aid telethon highlights unemployment. The Kowloon Bridge tanker runs aground off Cork. Ireland rejects divorce in a referendum. Barry McGuigan retains his world title but later loses it. Evelyn Glenholmes is re-arrested after a failed extradition attempt. Ryanair launches low-cost flights. Emigration surges, with 30,000 people leaving and U.S. visa applications up 25%.