1996

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.