The year in review: Top Irish news stories of 2018 month by month

A look back at the biggest news stories 2018 had to offer.
January
55,000 ESB customers without power amid flooding and winds of up to 155km/h
Just a bunch of trampolines causing absolute mayhem thanks to Storm Eleanor
Video: Storm Eleanor didn't stop these hurling matches
Storm Eleanor leaves Meath mum homeless
Cranberries 'devastated' at the loss of Dolores O'Riordan
'Her voice will never die': Fans pay tribute to Dolores O'Riordan
Dolores O’Riordan working on new Cranberries album when she died
Death of Dolores O’Riordan makes front page headlines around the world
WATCH: Hundreds gather in Limerick for Dolores O’Riordan sing-song
Hundreds gathered in Limerick's Arthur's Quay Park singing When You're Gone.
— Emma Langford (@ELangfordMusic) January 22, 2018
I defy you to not get a little choked up at this.
People of all ages, gathered in the cold, giving Dolores a proper send - off.
Fair play Sandra & Paula for organising it 💚 #Limerick #doloresoriordan pic.twitter.com/cYugQUhVtk
February
Former Ireland international Liam Miller passes away aged 36
Liam Miller: 1981-2018 - The loss of the best is the worst
Mary Lou McDonald was officially confirmed as the new Sinn Féin leader at a special Ard Fheis, stating the party's goals of achieving a United Ireland.
March
Sights and sounds from day 1 of the Beast from the East
People are selling loaves of bread on Done Deal amid shortage
Sights and sounds from day 2 of the Beast from the East
Sights and sounds from day 3 of the Beast from the East
All four defendants in the high-profile Rugby rape trial are found not guilty.
#IBelieveHer rallies taking place nationwide in aftermath of Belfast rape trial
Tributes pour in for professor Stephen Hawking
April
Vicky Phelan emerged from the High Court after reaching a settlement of €2.3m for the misreading of scans that may have saved her from cervical cancer.
CervicalCheck understands that some of our clients may be anxious about their cervical screening. Anyone with concerns can call us on Freephone 1800 45 45 55, this line is open Monday to Sunday 9am to 6pm, to request a call back to discuss your concerns. pic.twitter.com/2s9vUNHAzI
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) April 27, 2018
May
2,153,613
1,429,981
723,642
#8thRef Results: Referendum passed by a majority of 706,349 votes
#8thRef Latest: 'We will make history' says Taoiseach as exit polls predict two-thirds majority for Yes side
.@campaignforleo and Fine Gael ministers take to the stage to cheers and applause at Dublin Castle #iestaff #EighthAmendment pic.twitter.com/F83SsyR4Q0
— Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) May 26, 2018
June
The British government publishes a so-called "backstop" proposal to avoid a hard border
Taoiseach: 'We’re not going to be preparing for a hard border'
July
Here's how people have been coping (or not) with Ireland's current heatwave
Temperatures set to hit 30C again this week amid drought warning
A nationwide hosepipe ban took to effect amid rising concern at rapidly depleting water supplies during heatwave.
France celebrate in Paris after World Cup win in Russia
the best 2018 moment was seeing france nt lift the world cup trophy pic.twitter.com/O96hwleIGk
— 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚🌻 (@alcantrafa) December 30, 2018
August
20 things you didn’t know about Ireland’s hockey heroes
Pope Francis visits Ireland.
September
#LiamMillerTribute pic.twitter.com/QroJpPzPu7
— Joe Leogue (@JoeLeogue) September 25, 2018
Manchester United win Liam Miller Tribute Match after penalty shootout
October
Tributes for Emma Mhic Mhathúna as ‘another brave mother leaves this world’
‘She was a fighter in a ball gown’: Emma Mhic Mhathúna funeral cortege passes by Dáil gates
Michael D Higgins re-elected as president
Election live: Michael D Higgins elected President of Ireland on first count.
Watch: 'I hereby declare Michael D Higgins elected to the Office of President of Ireland' pic.twitter.com/HMh86lPsUz
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 27, 2018
November
Ireland beat the All Blacks, again!!
Ireland beat world champions New Zealand for the first time on home soil.
[team1]Ireland[/team1][score1]16[/score1][team2]New Zealand[/team2][score2]9[/score2][/score]How the New Zealand media reacted to Ireland's win over the All Blacks
December
Abortion now legal in Ireland as President signs Bill into law