1317 – Edward Bruce’s Army Reaches Castleknock
In 1317, Edward Bruce, brother of Scottish King Robert the Bruce, led a military campaign in Ireland during the Bruce Wars. On February 23, his forces reached Castleknock, a village near Dublin. Fearing that Bruce’s forces would use nearby suburbs as a strategic base, the citizens of Dublin took drastic measures, destroying parts of the northern and western suburbs. The mayor of Dublin also imprisoned the Earl of Ulster, who was suspected of having sympathies for Bruce’s cause. Although this prevented Bruce’s army from advancing into Dublin, the destruction later proved inconvenient for local governance, as many law courts and administrative buildings were obliterated.
1887 – The Plan of Campaign Intensifies
The Plan of Campaign was a tenant resistance strategy aimed at forcing landlords to reduce rents during a period of economic hardship in Ireland. By February 23, 1887, the movement had reached its peak, with tenants across the country refusing to pay excessive rents and instead depositing money into a communal fund for legal defense. Landlords who refused to lower rents faced boycotts and resistance. This was a significant moment in Ireland’s land reform history, highlighting the growing push for tenant rights and rural economic justice.
1903 – Birth of Alec Mackie
Alec Mackie, an Irish association football (soccer) player, was born on February 23, 1903. He became a well-known footballer, playing as a defender for clubs like Arsenal and Portsmouth in the English Football League. Mackie’s career spanned multiple decades, and he remained an influential figure in Irish football history.
1919 – Tipperary Brigade’s Warning to British Personnel
On February 23, 1919, the Tipperary Brigade of the Irish Volunteers issued a proclamation demanding that all British personnel leave the county or face lethal consequences. This event occurred during the early stages of the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921), a conflict between Irish republicans and British forces. The proclamation was a sign of growing resistance and marked the escalation of armed struggle against British rule in Ireland.
1921 – IRA Attack on RIC Officers in Dublin
During the Irish War of Independence, IRA members from The Squad, a unit specializing in assassinations and ambushes, attacked Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) officers on Parliament Street in Dublin. The attack targeted officers returning from lunch to Dublin Castle, resulting in the deaths of two policemen and the wounding of another. The event was part of a broader campaign by the IRA to weaken British security forces in Ireland.
1924 – The Army Mutiny Crisis Begins
The Irish Free State faced an internal crisis on February 23, 1924, when sections of its military, composed largely of former IRA members, rebelled over concerns about demobilization and perceived favoritism within the new army. Many soldiers feared they were being pushed out in favor of officers loyal to the Free State government. This mutiny threatened the stability of the young Irish state and led to government intervention to restore order.
| 1943 – The Cavan Orphanage Fire One of the most tragic events in Irish history occurred on February 23, 1943, when a fire broke out at St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Cavan. The blaze quickly engulfed the building, killing thirty-five girls and one cook. The tragedy was compounded by the nuns’ reluctance to allow firefighters to enter due to strict religious rules. The event sparked public outrage and led to questions about fire safety in religious institutions. |  |
1943 – S.S. Kyleclare Torpedoed
On the same day as the Cavan fire, the Irish cargo ship S.S. Kyleclare was torpedoed in the North Atlantic during World War II. The ship, which was carrying supplies, was attacked despite Ireland’s official neutrality in the war. All eighteen crew members on board lost their lives. The sinking of neutral Irish vessels was a controversial aspect of the war, as multiple Irish ships were targeted by both Allied and Axis forces.
1948 – Death of John Robert Gregg
On February 23, 1948, John Robert Gregg, the Irish-born inventor of Gregg Shorthand, passed away. Gregg developed his shorthand system in the late 19th century, and it became widely used in business and journalism due to its efficiency. His method allowed for faster writing and transcription, revolutionizing stenography.
1965 – Roger Casement’s Remains Returned to Ireland
Roger Casement, an Irish nationalist and former British diplomat, was executed in 1916 for his role in seeking German support for the Easter Rising. After years of campaigning, the Irish government successfully negotiated the return of his remains from England. On February 23, 1965, his body was reinterred at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin with full state honors. Casement remains one of the most controversial and celebrated figures in Irish history.