The biggest strike in the history of the state saw more than 27,000 nurses began an indefinite stoppage over pay and working conditions, throwing hospital services into chaos. A political storm erupts over the planned early release of Dublin architect Philip Sheedy who had been serving a four year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving - a scandal that almost brings down the government. The celebrity wedding of the year comes to Ireland as David Beckham marries Victoria Adams at Luttrellstown Castle. 1999 saw the launch of Ireland’s first breakfast television show.
