Top Ten news stories of 2010 on IrishCentral

What made the headlines during the past year

Published Monday, December 27, 2010, 8:02 AM

Updated Monday, December 27, 2010, 8:19 AM

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Lightening next to the discharge from Eyjafjallajokull, the Icelandic volcano which grounded flights across Europe this summer.

It was an amazing year in both Ireland and Irish America with massive changes, especially in Ireland. Here are our top ten news stories.

No. 1. The complete meltdown of the Irish economy -- from Europe’s poster boy to unwanted bastard child, Ireland was the focus of incredible attention from the Wall Street Journal, The New York times and every other major publication. Unfortunately the attention was all bad.

No. 2. Phoebe Prince, the young Irish girl who moved to America, to school in Massachusetts was mercilessly bullied and took her own life. The subsequent national debate over what had occurred has given huge new impetus to efforts to stop school bullying.

No. 3. The downfall of Fianna Fail. Ireland’s leading political party, which has been in power 22 of the last 24 years. Now, because of how they mishandled the economy they may well disappear as a political force for a generation in the upcoming election.

No.4. Bridie Murphy detained: 80-year-old irish woman was held for five hours by immigration authorities when she returned from Ireland after visiting her son there. Even though she had a green card and had two sons serving in the military she was still questioned and threatened with losing her status.

No. 5. Murphy Commission Report: The report into abuse in the Archdiocese of Dublin was an extraordinary document, laying bare all year long the incredible cover-up of abusers by the archdiocese. Much of the material was truly sickening.

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