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Nadia Forde and Hayley Ryan pictured launcing the new fragrance 'LynxTwist' in 2010. You wouldn't get it nowadays. RollingNews.ie
Quiz

Quiz: What were these weird 2000s photoshoots for?

Let us take you back to a time when Nadia Forde and Glenda Gilson were kept on speed dial for a cheeky pic.
10.01pm, 13 Jun 2026
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4

TIMES CHANGE, BUT there’s no forgetting when Irish public relations companies’ first approach to advertising involved bikini-clad models on Grafton Street, often armed with a prop.

Sometimes, you could argue that the public relations photoshoots really had nothing to do with the product, company or service advertised.

With that in mind, we have a selection of these photos – see if you can figure out the backstory.

It's not quite the early 2000s anymore - this picture is from 2012 - but it has the essential ingredient of two models in hot pants and an ambiguous prop. What is this picture announcing?
Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
The launch of new financial services at Irish Credit Unions
New loan offerings for students targeted at travel

The opening of a new credit union in Blanchardstown
Credit union services becoming available for Irish citizens in different jurisdictions
TDs Simon Coveney and Denis Naughten peer through a steering wheel. The year is 2000. What is going on?
RollingNews.ie
Fine Gael are asking the public to stop drink-driving
It has nothing to do with Fine Gael - they're advertising the launch of a series of new Volvo cars

Coveney has just been made Minister for Transport
Fine Gael are launching a policy initiative on road safety
It's 1999. Models Jennifer Langan and Matthew John "cover their essentials" with hemp leaves. Why?
RollingNews.ie
They're launching the remodelled Body Shop on Grafton Street
They're promoting CBD products

They're advertising Victoria's Secret's new offerings, which include hemp body spray
They're launching Yankee Candles's new hemp candle, which is aimed at inducing relaxation
Model Veronica Moore takes to Dublin's Grafton Street. What is she promoting?
Graham Hughes/RollingNews.ie
Annoucing the first ever NFL preseason matchup in Croke Park, between the Chicago Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers
The launch of Brown Thomas's novelty US-themed decoration offerings for 4 July

The launch of Aer Lingus direct flights from Dublin to Los Angeles
The launch of O2's new flat roaming offer for customers travelling in the USA
Is there a better place to take a picture than Grafton Street? Models Jenny Lee Masterson and Gary Walsh were there in 2006. Why?
RollingNews.ie
The launch of new research on New Years' resolutions among young Irish men
Gym chain FLYEfit opened its first gym in Ranelagh

A new report by the Department of Health showed regular exercise improved men's mental health
They were launching an initiative aimed at lowering the growing number of people with obesity
We have another Simon Coveney picture (sorry, they're just too good). Here, it's 1999 and he's dressed like James Bond alongside Lorraine Keane. Why?
RollingNews.ie
He is annoucing funding for Screen Ireland, which supported the production of 1999 Bond film The World Is Not Enough, starring Pierce Brosnan
He is promoting a James Bond-themed charity ball

He is taking part on an initative to promote cinema-going after a massive slump in attendance rates
We never got an explanation
Model Aoife Cogan wears a money dress at a photocall on... yes, Grafton Street. What's the occasion?
Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Bus Stop Newsagents on Grafton Street sold a lotto ticket worth €1.4 million
The National Lottery launch of new Mega Money Multiplier scratch cards, promising prizes up to €250,000

A new season of Winning Streak launching
A lotto jackpot heading for €14 million
January, 2003. Models Sarah McGovern and Ruth Griffin shock some people on Dublin's Grafton Street dressed in bikinis on a winter's day. Why?
RollingNews.ie
Dublin City Council is launching a 'Wrap Up Warm' campaign
Dunnes Stores launches a campaign for its Paul Costelloe winter coats amid forecast heavy snow

They are launching a holiday brochure
They are advertising sauna experiences in the city centre
Pictured is Westlife, described as "Ireland's latest pop sensation", in 1999. What is this picture meant to encourage people to do?
RollingNews.ie
Schools to take part in the rollout of Bord Bia's Food Dudes campaign
People to buy tickets to their charity gig

Young people to eat more healthily
People to eat out or go clubbing at venues supporting Concern's Kosovo campaign
Even political parties weren't immune to the prop-mania that took over the early 2000s (Enda Kenny was a particularly big fan). Why is he cradling a globe outside Stephen's Green?
RollingNews.ie
He is at the launch of the Fine Gael International Peace Mission Bill 2003
He is announcing Ireland's addition to the US Visa Waiver Program

He is announcing the initiation of the privatisation of the then-State owned airline Aer Lingus
He is launching a trade agreement between Ireland and Canada
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