1988

January 25, 1988

Anglo-Irish Conference on Northern Ireland

A significant Anglo-Irish Conference took place in London on January 25, 1988, to address the complex issues surrounding Northern Ireland. The discussions primarily centered on enhancing security cooperation between the British and Irish governments and fostering political development within Northern Ireland. This conference was part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the protracted conflict and instability in the region, reflecting a continued commitment to finding peaceful solutions and improving cross-border relations amidst the Troubles.

Read the full story →

1988

Battles

March 6, 1988

Operation Flavius: SAS Kills IRA Members in Gibraltar

On March 6, 1988, three members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA)—Seán Savage, Daniel McCann, and Mairéad Farrell—were shot dead by the British Special Air Service (SAS) in Gibraltar. The IRA unit was believed to be planning a car bomb attack on British military personnel. Although the three were unarmed and no bomb was found in their car, an inquest ruled the killings lawful. However, the European Court of Human Rights later found that the operation's planning and control made the use of lethal force almost inevitable, violating Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This event was a significant incident during The Troubles.

Read the full story →

1988

Battles

March 16, 1988

Milltown Cemetery Attack

On March 16, 1988, Michael Stone carried out a solo attack on mourners at Milltown Cemetery in Belfast during the funeral of three IRA members. Employing grenades and pistols, Stone killed three individuals and wounded dozens, an act that sent shockwaves through both communities and was widely broadcast. The incident intensified sectarian tensions and sparked a cycle of retaliatory violence. It also prompted scrutiny of security measures at republican funerals, becoming a stark symbol of the Troubles' brutality and the devastating impact of individual acts of violence.

Read the full story →

1988

Battles

March 19, 1988

Milltown Cemetery Killings

On March 19, 1988, during the funeral procession of IRA Volunteer Kevin Brady at Milltown Cemetery in Belfast, two plain-clothes British soldiers were attacked by the crowd. The soldiers were later killed by members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA). This incident, which occurred amidst heightened tensions during The Troubles, was a significant and controversial event, further escalating sectarian violence and drawing widespread condemnation. The killings were part of a series of violent incidents that marked a particularly turbulent period in Northern Ireland's history.

Read the full story →

1988

Sports

May 15, 1988

Sean Kelly Wins Vuelta a España

Sean Kelly became the first Irish cyclist to win a Grand Tour, securing victory in the 1988 Vuelta a España. This was a landmark achievement for Irish cycling.

Read the full story →

1988

Sports

June 12, 1988

First Major Tournament Qualification - Euro '88

Under the management of Jack Charlton, the Republic of Ireland qualified for their first-ever major international tournament, the 1988 UEFA European Championship in West Germany. The campaign included a famous 1-0 victory over England in their opening game, with a goal from Ray Houghton.

Read the full story →

← All Years