2002 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.
June 1 - The Republic of Ireland begin their soccer world cup campaign
October 11 - Geraldine Kennedy is appointed the first female editor of the Irish Times.
October 14 - As of midnight the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Executive are suspended by order of the Secretary of State.
October 19 - Irish voters accept the Nice Treaty in the second referendum held on the issue.

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.

Group stage

Republic of Ireland 1-1 Cameroon

Republic of Ireland 1-1 Germany

Republic of Ireland 3 - 0 Saudi Arabia

Republic of Ireland qualify for the second round of the World Cup

Knockout stage

Republic of Ireland 1-1 Spain (Spain win 3-2 on penalties)

Republic of Ireland are knocked out at the second round of the World Cup

Northern Ireland did not qualify for the 2002 world cup

Armagh 1-12 - 0-14 Kerry

January 17 - Jim Tunney, former Fianna Fáil politician.
February 27 - Spike Milligan, comedian.
May 8 - Sylvester Barrett, former Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála for Clare and Cabinet Minster
May 17 - James Chichester-Clark, Fifth Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
May 30 - John B. Keane, author and playwright.
September 4 - David Moloney, solicitor, former Fine Gael Teachta Dála representing Tipperary North from 1981 to 11987, member of the Seanad from 1977 to 1981.
October 17 - Derek Bell, harpist and composer.
October 25 - Richard Harris, actor.
December 2 - Jim Mitchell, former Fine Gael TD and Cabinet Minister.