1983 in Ireland

Events

January 19 – The government confirm that the Gardaí were involved in the bugging of politicians and journalists telephones.
February 8 – A motion calling for the resignation of Charles Haughey as leader fails after a 12 hour Fianna Fáil meeting.
February 9 – The racehorse Shergar is kidnapped from Ballymany Stud, County Kildare.
April 14 – The inaugural meeting of Aosdána, an affiliation of creative artists, takes place in the Old Parliament Building, Dublin.
April 25 – 2,000 people demonstrate in Dublin against the proposed Pro-Life Amendment Bill.
May 20 – The funeral takes place of former Tánaiste Frank Aiken.
May 23 – The Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim celebrates its 350th anniversary.
May 27 – A Mexican jet stranded for five weeks at Mallow Racecourse departs.
May 30 – The inaugural meeting of the New Ireland Forum takes place at Dublin Castle.
June 10 – Gerry Adams of Sinn Féin is elected the new MP for West Belfast.
September 8 – The referendum on the constitutional amendment in relation to abortion is carried by a two to one majority.
September 20 – Leading politicians pay tribute to former Tánaiste George Colley as he is laid to rest.
November 25 – Quinnsworth executive Don Tidey is kidnapped outside his home in Dublin.
December 16 – Don Tidey is rescued in County Leitrim.

Eamonn Coghlan wins the 5000m gold medal at the World Championships in Helsinki.
Pat Jennings become the first footballer to play in 1,000 Football League matches.

March 25 – Constantine Fitzgibbon, cookery expert and author.
May 18 – Frank Aiken, former Tánaiste, Fianna Fáil TD and Cabinet Minister.
September 17 – George Colley, former Tánaiste, Fianna Fáil TD and Cabinet Minister.
December 23 – Colin Middleton, painter.
March 15 – Dame Rebecca West, journalist.