Reeling in the Years — Season 1, Episode 4: 1983
Documentary • 25 min • 6 seasons, 58 episodes • ★ 9.5/10
Episode synopsis
Factory closures and job losses, including Ranks and Dunlops in Cork, contribute to a gloomy public mood. The new government exposes Fianna Fáil’s phone-tapping scandal, leading to resignations, though Charles Haughey remains leader. Champion racehorse Shergar is kidnapped and never found. Businessman Don Tidey is rescued after a shootout kills a soldier and Garda officer. RTÉ airs Glenroe. Eamonn Coghlan wins the 5000m at the World Athletics Championships. The US supports Contra rebels in Nicaragua and invades Grenada. A divisive abortion amendment passes. Divorce reform efforts begin. Reagan announces ‘Star Wars’ missile defence. Nuclear disarmament protests grow. Dublin defeats Galway in the All-Ireland Football Final.
About Reeling in the Years
Each episode looks back at the news and events of a particular year, using news archive footage, along with subtitles as the means of narration, to recount notable Irish and international events of the time.