1987 in Ireland
Events from the year 1987 in Ireland. Incumbents President: Patrick Hillery Taoiseach: Garret FitzGerald (FG) (until 10 March 1987) Charles Haughey (FF) (from 10 March 1987) Tánaiste: Dick Spring (Lab) (until 20 January 1987) Peter Barry (FG) (from 20 January 1987 until 10 March 1987) Brian Lenihan (FF) (from 10 March 1987) Minister for Finance: John Bruton (FG) (until 10 March 1987) Ray MacSharry (FF) (from 10 March 1987) Chief Justice: Thomas Finlay Dáil: 24th (until 20 January 1987) 25th (from 10 March 1987) Seanad: 17th (until 3 April 1987) 18th (from 25 April 1987) Events 1 January – The halfpenny coin was withdrawn from circulation. 20 January – Labour Party ministers resigned from the government because of disagreement over budget proposals. 19 February – A general election returned a Fianna Fáil minority government with Charles Haughey as Taoiseach. 11 March – Former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald resigned the leadership of the Fine Gael party and was succeeded by Alan Dukes. 22 March – The Irish National Lottery was launched. 28 March – The National Lottery launched its first scratch cards. 8 May – Loughgall ambush: the British Special Air Service killed eight Provisional Irish Republican Army members and a civilian