2018 was a year of ups and downs across the globe, Ireland included. Whilst there were great achievements made across the board, in terms of social issues, cultural wins and artistic acknowledgements, we experienced some pretty harsh realities, too.
Losing Irish greats, facing social challenges and political let downs all took place in the Emerald Isle during the year.
If you’re wondering the five best and five worst things that took place in Ireland in 2018, well, here they are!
BEST
5. Anna Burns, 2018 Man Booker Prize Winner
2018 was a proud year for Ireland as Northern Irish author, Anna Burns stole the show with her novel, Milkman, earning her the prestigious 2018 Man Booker Prize.
The novel, based on her experiences growing up in Belfast is anchored in her memories of living through the Troubles, a time of political and social unrest in Northern Ireland which ran from the 60s-90s.
The Man Booker Prize is a highly esteemed literary award for the best fiction novel written in the English language and published in the UK.
4. Ireland’s Win Over New Zealand in Rugby
In terms of sports, Ireland’s win over New Zealand in rugby has got to be the highlight of the year. The game which took place at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 17 November 2018 saw Ireland beat their opponents 16-9. Importantly, this was Ireland’s first ever home win against the leading rugby team.
3. The Sun
The weather was some of the best a lot of us have seen in our lifetime in Ireland during 2018.
As one of the hottest, driest years on record, the weather resulted in a hosepipe ban being enforced due to drought, roads were closed due to tarmac melting and death from heat stroke became a legitimate worry.
For the most part, though, it was one of the most glorious summers we can remember.
2. Irish Cities Voted Some of the Friendliest in the World
C: purecork.ieAn annual reader’s survey in Conde Nast’s Traveller magazine resulted in three of Ireland’s cities being voted as the friendliest destinations in the world.
Cork was named the third friendliest city, whilst Galway came fifth and Dublin took eighth place.
1. Change to Abortion Laws
The biggest achievement for the Republic of Ireland in 2018 was repealing the eighth amendment, which changed the law to recognize equal rights of the woman and the unborn.
Although Northern Ireland remains to have some of the strictest abortion laws in Europe, we hope in 2019, it will follow suit.
WORST
5. The Freeze
Ireland experienced a gruelling winter in 2018. February and March 2018 saw a deep freeze ensue, with record-breaking snowfall and sub-zero temperatures wreck havoc across Ireland. Whilst schools, transport lines, livestock and businesses all suffered, it was listed one of the worst winters on record since the 1980s.
4. The Death of Dolores O’Riordan
The sudden and unexpected death of Dolores O’Riordan sent shockwaves around the country and abroad.
The lead singer of notable Irish rock band, The Cranberries, died by drowning in a bathtub of a London hotel on 15 January 2018, at only 46 years of age.
The band announced their departure from the world stage, following her death, after the release of their final album, In the End, which will be released in 2019.
3. Hospital Overcrowding
November 2018 saw the worst-ever overcrowding in hospitals on the Emerald Isle. It is said that nearly 10,000 patients were forced to wait on trolleys and chairs for a hospital bed during the month.
Furthermore, throughout the year, a record-breaking figure of over 100,000 patients was subjected to similar circumstances.
2. Climate Change
Disappointingly, Ireland was listed – for the second year in a row – as one of the worst countries in Europe for taking action against climate change. According to the 2019 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), Ireland ranked 48th out of a total of 56 countries listed worldwide.
Whilst there is a lot of talk of climate change, its impact on our current and future environment and good intentions all around, a severe need for change will define 2019.
1. Housing Crisis
The housing crisis in Ireland has to be the ultimate failure of 2018. Whilst property development has resumed in the aftermath of the recession, low-income, affordable housing is still a crisis issue.
2018 recorded nearly 10,000 people (including women and children) living in emergency accommodation across the country. Government incentives which aim to close this gap are underway, and all we can say is our hopes are high for 2019.
