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)Then taoiseach Leo Varadkar shakes hands with President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins following Mr Varadkar’s request to dissolve the 32nd Dail at Aras an Uachtarain (Damien Eagers/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)The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet local Galwegians during a visit to a traditional Irish pub in Galway city centre during the third day of their visit to the Republic of Ireland (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/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)Portmarnock Beach in Dublin was one place where social distancing was possible (Brian Lawless/PA)The first few arrivals at Dublin Zoo, which reopened to limited numbers after lockdown eased (Niall Carson/PA)Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin being presented the Seal of Office by President Michael D. Higgins at Aras an Uachtarain in Dublin as he became Taoiseach (Maxwell Photography/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)Not everyone supported the measures taken by government (Brian Lawless/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)Taoiseach Micheal Martin (left) had Brexit as well as the virus on his mind as he visited Dublin Port in November ((James Ward/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)