Ireland’s year, like everyone’s, was dominated by the pandemic which took a human and financial toll with other clouds looming on the horizon.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin, whose post-election deal with Fianna Fail’s arch-rivals Fine Gael was historic and will eventually see him hand back the job to Leo Varadkar, is also awaiting developments in Brexit talks.
With a vaccination coming, hopes of a better 2021 will sustain Irishmen and women after a stormy year.
Those gathered at Custom House in Dublin for New Year could little have imagined what lay in store (Brian Lawless/PA) (PA Archive)Then taoiseach Leo Varadkar shakes hands with President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins following Mr Varadkar's request in January to dissolve the 32nd Dail at Aras an Uachtarain (Damien Eagers/PA) (PA Archive)General Election Ireland 2020 (PA Archive)The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Ireland – Day 3 (PA Archive)Taoiseach Leo Varadkar presents US President Donald Trump with a bowl of Shamrock during a St Patrick’s Day Celebration reception and Shamrock presentation ceremony at the White House with both men awaiting the voters' verdicts (Brian Lawless/PA) (PA Archive)A man sprays disinfectant at a statue of the crucifixion of Jesus outside St Mary of the Angels church in Dublin, on Good Friday (Brian Lawless/PA) (PA Archive)Portmarnock Beach in Dublin was one place where social distancing was possible (Brian Lawless/PA) (PA Archive)The first few arrivals at Dublin Zoo, which reopened to limited numbers after lockdown eased (Niall Carson/PA) (PA Archive)Irish Government formation (PA Media)Waterford artists commemorated the feats of Jack Charlton who led the Republic to the last eight of Italia 90 and who died in July (Niall Carson/PA) (PA Wire)Not everyone supported the measures taken by government (Brian Lawless/PA) (PA Wire)Concerns were raised in the Dingle, Kerry by the absence of beloved dolphin Fungi who was a familiar sight in the waters for 40 years (Niall Carson/PA) (PA Wire)Taoiseach Micheal Martin (left) had Brexit as well as the virus on his mind as he visited Dublin Port in November ((James Ward/PA) (PA Wire)Brexit (PA Wire)
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