Reeling in the Years Season 2 - 1990's: Episode Guide & Ratings

Brian Lenihan’s presidential campaign falters after a taped conversation is leaked, leading Charles Haughey to sack him to maintain power. On November 9, 1990, Mary Robinson is elected President. Brian Keenan is freed after 1,597 days as a hostage in Beirut. Cardinal Tomas O'Fiaich dies, and Bishop Cahal Daly becomes Primate of All Ireland. Germany reunifies after 45 years, and Nelson Mandela is freed after 26 years in prison. The Channel Tunnel connects France and Britain, and Ireland prepares for its first-ever World Cup. Ireland’s team advances to the quarter-finals but loses to Italy. On August 2, 1990, Iraq invades Kuwait, leading to international tensions. The IRA uses 'proxy bombs', killing civilians and soldiers. Cork’s hurlers and footballers win All-Ireland titles. Margaret Thatcher resigns as Prime Minister on November 28, 1990.

Ian Paisley visits Dublin in 1991. He protests against Northern Secretary Peter Brooke's decision to resume the meeting of the Anglo- Irish Conference and to end discussions between Northern parties. 1991 sees an unusual Fine Gael Ard Fheis. Twink makes a show out of Fine Gael. Ireland v. Australia in the World Cup Quarter-Final. Ireland's late try offers hope of a remarkable victory, but Australia win by one point. IRAQ, 16 January 1991: A US-led military force of thirty countries launches Operation 'Desert Storm'. Laser-guided 'smart' bombs hit Iraqi military targets. In Baghdad, an Allied 'smart' bomb hits a bunker which has been used as a civilian air raid shelter. Hundreds of women and children are killed. Fears grow that Iraq will use chemical weapons as retaliation. The 'Patriot' missile defence system is deployed. Iraqi 'Scud' missiles still hit Israeli and Saudi cities. On 24 February 1991, the land war begins. The Allied coalition wins a decisive victory. On February 28, Kuwait City is liberated. As the war ends, an estimated 50,000 people have died and Kuwait's oil fires are out of control. An ecological disaster threatens the Gulf. Maastricht, The Netherlands: European leaders sign an historic agreement. It sets 1999 as the deadline for a single currency. Corruption allegations are made against Larry Goodman's beef company. Although the company vigorously denies the charges, a Tribunal of Inquiry is set up to investigate the claims. The former State company 'Greencore' is hit by scandal. A complex financial arrangement allowed a group of managers to profit from the use of public money. More questions are asked about the sale of Carysfort College when the Taoiseach's involvement in the deal is revealed. Telecom Eireann's controversial purchase of a site in Ballsbridge leads to high-profile resignations. After the Taoiseach, Charles Haughey , says certain people 'should step aside' , Dermot Desmond resigns as chairman of Aer Rianta. Michael Smurfit resigns as chairman of Telecom Eireann. LONDON, 14 March 1991: The Birmingham Six are freed after 16 years in jail. They had been wrongly convicted of a mass murder committed by the IRA. When condoms go on sale in Dublin's Virgin Megastore, The Irish Family Planning Association is convicted and fined. Under the law, shops are not allowed to sell condoms. In an effort to revive Ireland's ailing economy, the Government unveils a radical new agreement. Meanwhile, people queue to emigrate. Under the American 'Morrison Visa' scheme, Ireland is granted 48,000 places in a three-year programme. 20,000 Albanians flee the economic collapse of their country. Many are forced back as they attempt to land in Italy. The EC fails to mediate a peace in Yugoslavia. Nationalist leaders exploit ethnic hatreds. The Serb-dominated federal army lays siege to Dubrovnik. The Croatian city of Vukovar is also besieged. When the city falls to the Serbs after three months, Vukovar's Croats are among the first victims of 'ethnic cleansing'. Hardline Communists oust President Gorbachev in a coup. Boris Yeltsin triumphs over the coup leaders. Gorbachev is freed from house arrest. Yeltsin emerges as the dominant political leader. Leinster football sees an epic battle. Meath and Dublin have to play four times .Meath make it to the All-Ireland Final, but lose to Down. Tipperary beat Kilkenny in the hurling. Fianna Fail faces another divisive debate. Albert Reynolds challenges for leadership The Taoiseach refuses to give way and wins an open vote by 55 to 22. Playlist: R.E.M. - Shiny Happy People U2 - The Fly Michael Jackson - Black Or White The Wonderstuff - The Size Of A Cow The Big Geraniums - Home Again Color Me Badd - I Wanna Sex You Up Blur - There's No Other Way Extreme - More Than Words Enya - Carribean Blue James - Sit Down Lenny Kravitz - It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over Bryan Adams - Everything I Do (I Do It For You)

In 1992, Ireland's High Court initially prevents a 14-year-old from travelling for an abortion, sparking the 'X' Case debate and a referendum. Unemployment hits record levels, with 290,000 out of work, particularly in Cork. The Labour Party in Britain seems poised for victory, but John Major leads the Tories to a fourth successive win. Joe Hendron of the SDLP wins the West Belfast seat from Gerry Adams. Los Angeles experiences the Rodney King race riots after four policemen are acquitted. RTÉ goes on strike for six weeks. Sean Doherty implicates Charles Haughey in a phone-tapping scandal, leading to Haughey's resignation and Albert Reynolds becoming Taoiseach. Dr. Eamonn Casey flees after admitting an affair. In sports, Ireland celebrates Michael Carruth’s Olympic gold. Bill Clinton wins the U.S. presidency. Political instability marks 1992, including the Beef Tribunal and a hung election.

In 1993, Bill Clinton became the 42nd President of the USA. F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize as South Africa moved towards majority rule. Israeli and Palestinian leaders signed a peace deal granting limited self-rule to Palestinian areas. Ireland formed a new coalition government, and Albert Reynolds was re-elected Taoiseach. Niamh Kavanagh won the Eurovision Song Contest with "In Your Eyes." The Waco siege ended tragically with 80 deaths. Russia faced a constitutional crisis, and the military crushed a rebellion. Northern Ireland's World Cup hopes were dashed in a draw with the Republic. Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first female president, met both Gerry Adams and Queen Elizabeth. The IRA's bombing in Warrington led to peace demonstrations. Aer Lingus began direct US flights, while Galway faced job losses from a plant closure. The year ended with the signing of the Downing Street Declaration for Northern Ireland peace talks.

In 1994, O.J. Simpson was arrested for the murder of his ex-wife and her friend. The film Braveheart faced issues during filming, and Boris Yeltsin’s visit to Ireland was cut short. New drink-driving laws were introduced in Ireland, sparking rural discontent. In the World Cup, Ireland lost to Mexico and Holland, while Brazil won the tournament. Riverdance became a hit at Eurovision, where Ireland claimed its third consecutive win. The Rwandan genocide erupted, and the UN's response was insufficient. In Northern Ireland, sectarian violence continued, but peace efforts advanced with ceasefires from the IRA and loyalists. The government in Ireland collapsed over a scandal, leading to the resignation of Taoiseach Albert Reynolds. John Bruton became Taoiseach in December, ushering in a period of economic improvement and hope for peace.

On 15 February 1995, England supporters riot at Lansdowne Road during a match against Ireland, causing the game to be abandoned and injuring 50 people. France conducts nuclear tests in the South Pacific, facing local and global opposition. Ireland's Hepatitis C scandal, caused by contaminated blood products, spans over 18 years, with anger over health officials' failure to act. In Oklahoma City, a bomb blast kills 168, carried out by right-wing extremists. Ireland's referendum on divorce sees a narrow win for "Yes." Workers protest the closure of the Irish Press due to debts. Prince Charles visits Ireland, and Dublin wins its first All-Ireland Football Final in 12 years. Bosnia's civil war ends with Western intervention. Ireland hosts Eurovision for the third year. In December, O.J. Simpson awaits his verdict, and Ireland bids farewell to Jack Charlton after a disappointing Euro 1996 campaign.

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.

In 1997, Radio Ireland is launched on St. Patrick's Day. Hong Kong returns to China after the end of Britain's 99-year lease. Ireland sees a government shift with Fianna Fáil and PDs replacing the Rainbow Coalition, supported by Independents. The UK Tories lose power to 'New Labour,' and Louise Woodward's conviction is reduced. Ireland faces a crisis in its immigration system, while Albania collapses into anarchy after pyramid scheme failures. Princess Diana and Mother Teresa die, triggering public mourning. The IRA calls a ceasefire, and Sinn Féin joins peace talks. The Spice Girls dominate pop music, and Clare wins the All-Ireland Hurling Final. Mary Robinson becomes UN High Commissioner, and Mary McAleese wins the Irish presidency. Dolly the Sheep sparks cloning debates, and the McCracken Tribunal uncovers corruption. The 'Pathfinder' probe successfully visits Mars, and Comet Hale-Bopp reaches Earth after 4,000 years.

In 1998, Ireland saw significant changes and events. TV3 launched in September, and a scandal hit the National Irish Bank over improper customer charges. Car-clamping began in Dublin, and the economy boomed, with unemployment dropping and foreign investment rising. Bill Clinton faced a major scandal over an alleged affair, while historic peace talks at Stormont led to the Good Friday Agreement, which saw overwhelming support in the Republic and mixed reactions in the North. Former dictator Augusto Pinochet was arrested in London. In sports, Ireland had a memorable year, with soccer teams winning European championships, while tragedy struck in Omagh, where a bomb killed 29 people. Ireland also hosted the Tour de France and saw political protests over police pay.

In 1999, Telecom Eireann shares are bought by 500,000 people, and a solar eclipse darkens most of Europe. MTV Europe's Music Awards bring stars to the Point Depot. Controversy follows the early release of Philip Sheedy, leading to resignations. Terry Keane reveals her affair with Charles Haughey. Irish soccer faces disappointment as Ireland fails to qualify for the European Finals. The North achieves devolution and a new British-Irish Agreement is signed. Jack Lynch is mourned in Cork. Tribunals reveal corruption, and George Redmond is questioned. The Ansbacher scandal unveils secret accounts. Finance Minister McCreevy's Budget sparks anger. East Timor votes for independence, while the US Senate acquits Clinton in the Lewinsky scandal. Nurses strike over pay, and Dana wins in the European elections. Policing reforms meet mixed reactions in Northern Ireland. Gay Byrne bids farewell after 37 years. The millennium is marked with celebrations and Newgrange's solstice.