Reeling in the Years — Season 1, Episode 6: 1985
Documentary • 25 min • 6 seasons, 58 episodes • ★ 9.5/10
Episode synopsis
Statue movement reports in Asdee and Ballinspittle spark debate—miracle or illusion? Ireland wins the 1985 Triple Crown. An Air India 747 crashes into the Atlantic, killing 329 in a suspected terrorist attack. At Heysel Stadium, a riot leads to dozens of soccer fans being crushed to death. Divorce referendum is delayed. Gorbachev introduces 'glasnost' in the USSR. Despite 'Star Wars' plans, US-Soviet relations improve. Barry McGuigan wins the World Featherweight title. Live Aid raises massive funds, with Ireland the highest per capita donor. The Progressive Democrats form a new political party. French agents bomb a Greenpeace ship in New Zealand. The Anglo-Irish Agreement gives the Republic a role in Northern affairs, sparking Unionist outrage. Spike Island prison is wrecked in a riot. 20,000 teachers rally for pay increases. Dublin street traders protest against a trading clampdown.
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.