Updated / Wednesday, 7 Apr 2021 10:57 2003 saw over 7000 athletes from 160 countries take part in the Special Olympics in Ireland. It was the year that the Spire in Dublin's O'Connell Street was completed, the Famine replica ship Jeanie Johnston made its maiden voyage to America, and Dubliner Rosanna Davison won the Miss World competition. An exclusive photo deal with 'Hello' magazine meant that Ireland's wedding of the year took place behind closed doors in France: Westlife's Nicky Byrne married Georgina Ahern, daughter of Bertie and Miriam. Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, on stage at Dublin's Croke Park, during the opening ceremony of the 2003 Special Olympics on 21 June. Photo: Thomas Holton (via RTÉ Photographic Archive)