1138 – Turlough O’Conor, King of Connacht, hosted the traditional Tailtean Games.
The Tailtean Games were an ancient Irish festival of sports and culture, held in honor of the deceased Queen Tailtiu. By hosting the games, Turlough O’Conor sought to reinforce his claim to the High Kingship of Ireland, a title he would later attain. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate power, including the construction of stone castles and the commissioning of religious works.
1478 – John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, was appointed Lieutenant of Ireland for 20 years.
Though granted the title, John de la Pole never took up the position, which was often a ceremonial role given to English nobles rather than active administrators. During this period, Ireland was largely controlled by the Anglo-Norman nobility, with the Fitzgerald and Butler families exerting significant influence.
1653 – Sir Phelim O’Neill was executed in Dublin.
A key leader in the 1641 Irish Rebellion against English rule, Sir Phelim O’Neill was captured and sentenced to death after the Cromwellian conquest. He refused to implicate King Charles I in the rebellion, maintaining until his execution that the uprising was for the Irish people’s rights.
1810 – Birth of Sir Samuel Ferguson in Belfast.
Samuel Ferguson was a poet and Celtic scholar known for his translations of early Irish legends and historical tales into English verse. His works, such as Congal and Lays of the Western Gael, contributed to the Irish literary revival.
1863 – Riots erupted in Cork.
The 1860s were a time of political unrest in Ireland, with tensions between nationalist movements and British authorities. The Cork riots reflected the broader dissatisfaction with British rule, and such disturbances were often met with heavy-handed responses from law enforcement.
1883 – Birth of Pádraig Ó Siochfhradha (‘An Seabhac’) in Dingle, County Kerry.
A writer and promoter of the Irish language, Ó Siochfhradha was a key figure in the Gaelic revival movement. His works, including Jimín Mháire Thaidhg, helped popularize Irish literature among young readers.
1888 – Birth of Barry Fitzgerald in Dublin.
Born William Joseph Shields, Barry Fitzgerald became a celebrated Hollywood actor. He won an Academy Award for his role in Going My Way (1944) and was known for his portrayal of charming Irish characters.
1894 – Ireland won its first Triple Crown in rugby.
The Irish rugby team secured its first-ever Triple Crown by defeating Wales in Belfast. The victory was a significant milestone in Irish sports history, marking the rise of rugby as a major national pastime.
| 1920 – IRA attack in Rathkeale, County Limerick. During the Irish War of Independence, IRA members shot two RIC officers in a hotel, resulting in the death of Sergeant George Neazer. The attack was part of a broader campaign against British forces in Ireland. |  |
1921 – British forces killed four IRA volunteers in the Boggeragh Mountains.
In an effort to suppress guerrilla warfare in County Cork, British troops conducted a sweep of the mountains, leading to a deadly clash with local IRA fighters.
1922 – Sectarian violence in Belfast escalated.
As tensions between Catholics and Protestants worsened, six people were killed in Belfast, including civilians, RIC constables, and a British soldier. This period saw widespread violence as Northern Ireland was established.
1932 – Irish Free State government released all IRA prisoners.
After winning the election, Éamon de Valera’s Fianna Fáil government sought to ease tensions by releasing IRA prisoners. This move reflected his policy of dismantling elements of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
1934 – The National Athletic and Cycling Association banned women from competing.
This decision was controversial and reflected broader societal attitudes towards women in sports at the time. It would take decades for women’s athletics to gain equal recognition in Ireland.
1945 – Birth of Donal Lunny, musician and folk innovator.
A key figure in Irish folk music, Lunny co-founded legendary groups such as Planxty and The Bothy Band. His work blending traditional and modern styles has influenced generations of musicians.
1966 – Death of Frank O’Connor, writer and storyteller.
O’Connor was one of Ireland’s greatest short story writers, known for Guests of the Nation and First Confession. His work often depicted Irish rural life with wit and poignancy.
1971 – Clashes between the Official and Provisional IRA in Belfast.
As tensions within the Republican movement escalated, violent confrontations between the two factions occurred in Belfast. This division would shape the course of The Troubles.
1998 – Missile attack on a police station in Armagh.
Five missiles were fired at an RUC station, leading to the evacuation of around 100 residents. This was one of many violent incidents as tensions persisted despite the Good Friday Agreement negotiations.
1999 – IRA prisoners released under the Good Friday Agreement.
High-profile IRA prisoners, including Paul Kavanagh, Thomas Quigley, and Gerard McDonnell, were freed after a legal challenge from the British government failed.
2000 – Harland and Wolff shipyard lost the Queen Mary 2 contract.
Once famed for building the Titanic, Belfast’s Harland and Wolff suffered a major setback when a £433 million shipbuilding contract went to a French competitor.
2002 – Mass whale stranding in Dingle.
Thirty-nine whales were stranded on Aughcasla Strand, prompting an urgent rescue effort by marine experts and local volunteers.
2003 – National Aquatic Centre opened in Dublin.
This state-of-the-art Olympic-standard facility provided a major boost to Irish swimming and sports infrastructure.
2010 – Gardaí staged a ‘work-to-rule’ protest.
Thousands of Irish police officers refused to carry out non-essential duties in protest against public sector pay cuts, marking a historic first in the force’s history.
2011 – Ian Paisley called for reconciliation in Stormont.
In an emotional farewell, the former DUP leader, who once staunchly opposed power-sharing, called for a new era of cooperation in Northern Ireland.