1670 – Archbishop Oliver Plunkett Returns to Ireland
After spending 23 years abroad due to religious persecution, Archbishop Oliver Plunkett returned to Ireland. He worked to reorganize the Catholic Church in Ireland but was later arrested and executed in England, becoming the last Catholic martyr to be executed in Britain.
1777 – Birth of Sir Philip Crampton
Philip Crampton, born in Dublin, became a renowned surgeon and medical reformer. He contributed significantly to public health in Ireland, helping to establish the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and advocating for medical advancements.
| 1848 – First Flying of the Irish Tricolour Thomas Francis Meagher unveiled the Irish tricolour flag in Waterford, symbolizing the hoped-for unity between different traditions in Ireland. The flag, inspired by the French Revolution, became the national flag of Ireland after independence. |  |
1864 – Archbishop Paul Cullen’s Pastoral Letter
Archbishop Paul Cullen issued a pastoral letter condemning the Fenian movement, which sought Irish independence through armed rebellion. Cullen’s influence helped strengthen the role of the Catholic Church in Ireland during the 19th century.
1887 – The Times Accuses Charles Stewart Parnell
The British newspaper The Times accused Parnell, leader of the Irish Home Rule movement, of supporting political violence. The allegations were later proven false, but the controversy weakened Parnell’s political career.
1921 – Assassination of Limerick Mayor George Clancy
George Clancy, a Sinn Féin politician and Mayor of Limerick, was shot and killed by British forces during the War of Independence. His death was one of many politically motivated killings at the time.
1957 – Fianna Fáil Returns to Power
Following a general election, Fianna Fáil, led by Éamon de Valera, regained control of the Irish government. The party’s policies focused on economic development and maintaining Ireland’s neutrality during the Cold War.
1965 – Vernacular Mass Introduced in Ireland
As part of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church in Ireland celebrated Mass in the English and Irish languages for the first time, replacing the traditional Latin liturgy.
2009 – Massereene Barracks Attack
In a rare post-Troubles attack, members of the Real IRA opened fire outside a British Army barracks in Antrim, killing two soldiers and injuring others. The attack was condemned across Ireland and Britain.
2022 – Protest at Russian Embassy in Dublin
Amid international outrage over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a man drove a truck through the gates of the Russian Embassy in Dublin in protest. The incident highlighted strong anti-Russian sentiment in Ireland during the war.