15 June – Dispute arises between local
loyalist and
republican activists on the Crumlin Road
peace line in North
Belfast over the flying of loyalist
paramilitary flags. Loyalists begin to picket the nearby Catholic primary school, beginning the
Holy Cross dispute, continuing throughout June.
3 September – Loyalist pickets at Holy Cross resume when the school re-opens for a new term, leading to unrest and rioting.
12 November – 400 police officers are involved in escorting the children and their parents to and from Holy Cross school.
17 November – The
Gaelic Athletic Association votes to abolish its controversial
Rule 21. Members of the
British Army and the Police Service of Northern Ireland will henceforth be permitted to join the organisation.
22 November – First Minister
David Trimble and deputy First Minister
Mark Durkan meet with residents of Upper Ardoyne, and the next day, 23 November, the Holy Cross protests are called off after 14 weeks.