radio and television services. 26 October – The legal case of Norris v. Ireland was decided by the European Court of Human Rights, ruling that the existence of laws in Ireland criminalising consensual gay sex was illegal. 16 November – Minister for Finance Ray MacSharry was appointed Ireland's new European Community Commissioner. 31 December – Pirate Radio closed down. Undated The National Archives of Ireland was formed under terms of the National Archives Act 1986 to take over the functions of the State Paper Office and the Public Record Office of Ireland. Gambling company Paddy Power was established by the merger of the 40 shops of three Irish bookmakers: Stewart Kenny, David Power, and John Corcoran. The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network was established in Dublin. The free gay magazine Gay Community News was published for the first time. Arts and literature 30 April – Ireland hosted the Eurovision Song Contest. 13 June – A statue of Molly Malone by Jeanne Rynhart was unveiled in Grafton Street, Dublin, to mark the city's millennium. The installations Anna Livia in O'Connell Street by Éamonn O'Doherty (agreed 7 March) and People's Island by Rachel Joynt were produced for the same commemoration. September – The television channel RTÉ 2 was relaunched as Network 2. 3 October – Australian television soap opera Home and Away was launched on Network 2 several months after airing in its country of origin. 11 October – Comedy series Nighthawks was first broadcast on Network 2. Toasted Heretic released their debut album Songs for Swinging Celibates. Sport Association football Ireland played in the European Championship finals for the first time. 12 June – Ireland celebrated a win over England 1–0 at the 1988 European Football Championship. Cycling 13 March – Sean Kelly won the Paris–Nice cycle race for the seventh year in a row. 15 May – Sean Kelly won the Vuelta a España cycle race. Gaelic football Meath GAA beat Cork GAA 0–13 to 0–9 in Croke Park to win a second consecutive All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title. Golf The Carroll's Irish Open tournament was won by Ian Woosnam (Wales). 16 October – Ireland (Eamonn Darcy, Ronan Rafferty, Des Smyth) won the Dunhill Cup at St. Andrew's golf course in Scotland. Hurling Galway GAA beat Tipperary GAA 1–15 to 0–14 in Croke Park to win a second consecutive All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship title. Births 7 January – Robert Sheehan,