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)
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar and Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald at the final TV leaders’ debate (Niall Carson/PA)
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)
The first few arrivals at Dublin Zoo, which reopened to limited numbers after lockdown eased (Niall Carson/PA)
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)
Concerns were raised in the Dingle, Kerry by the absence of beloved dolphin Fungie who was a familiar sight in the waters for 40 years (Niall Carson/PA)
Irish fishermen tie up in Howth Harbour in Co Dublin as talks on a Brexit trade deal including fishing rights continued in December before an agreement was reached (Niall Carson/PA)
