1642 – James Butler, Earl of Ormond, defeats Irish insurgents at the Battle of Kilrush
During the Irish Confederate Wars, James Butler, the Earl of Ormond and commander of Royalist forces, led an army that successfully defeated a larger Confederate Irish force at Kilrush in County Kildare. The battle was an early and crucial engagement in the conflict, helping secure Dublin and its surroundings for the Crown. Ormond’s victory helped bolster Royalist confidence and delayed Confederate momentum in Leinster.
1642 – A Scottish army under Robert Monro lands at Carrickfergus
On the same day as the Battle of Kilrush, a Scottish Covenanter army led by General Robert Monro landed at Carrickfergus in County Antrim. Their arrival marked the start of significant Scottish involvement in the Irish Confederate Wars, especially in Ulster, where they were sent to protect Protestant settlers. This added a complex layer to the war, introducing a third power into an already fragmented conflict.
1707 – Birth of Sir Henry Cavendish
Sir Henry Cavendish was born on April 15, 1707. He later became a Member of Parliament and held the post of Teller of the Exchequer in Ireland. Though known more for his administrative roles than major reforms, his career represents the complexities of Anglo-Irish governance during the 18th century, particularly the tension between patronage and effectiveness.
1784 – Richard Crosbie launches Ireland’s first unmanned balloon
Pioneering Irish aeronaut Richard Crosbie launched a hydrogen balloon in Dublin’s Ranelagh Gardens. This unmanned flight was a prelude to his more famous manned attempts the following year. Crosbie became a celebrated figure in Irish scientific circles and remains an early symbol of Irish innovation and curiosity about flight.
1840 – Daniel O’Connell founds the Repeal Association
The Repeal Association was established by Daniel O’Connell to campaign for the repeal of the 1801 Act of Union, which had merged the Irish and British parliaments. O’Connell hoped to restore an independent Irish legislature through peaceful means. While the movement never achieved its goal, it laid important groundwork for future nationalist campaigns and constitutional reform efforts.
1848 – Thomas Francis Meagher presents the Irish tricolor
At a public meeting in Dublin, Young Ireland leader Thomas Francis Meagher unveiled the Irish tricolor of green, white, and orange—symbolizing Catholic and Protestant unity and peace between them. Though it did not gain widespread use until the 20th century, the tricolor was a powerful symbol of a new, inclusive Irish identity.
| 1912 – RMS Titanic sinks with many Irish aboard Though the Titanic struck the iceberg on April 14, it sank in the early hours of April 15. Built in Belfast, the ship had strong Irish connections, including hundreds of Irish passengers, many from Munster. The disaster deeply affected communities across Ireland and remains a poignant part of Irish maritime history. |  |
1941 – Irish Free State fire brigades assist Belfast after Luftwaffe bombing
After a devastating Nazi bombing raid on Belfast during the Blitz, fire brigades from Dublin, Dundalk, and other towns in the Irish Free State crossed the border to aid in firefighting and rescue. Despite Ireland’s official neutrality during World War II, this humanitarian response showcased solidarity and compassion between North and South during a time of crisis.
1954 – Michael Willis, IRA escapee, is born
Michael Willis, who later became known for his dramatic escape from Crumlin Road Prison in Belfast as an IRA member, was born on this day. His escape made headlines and became a notable story during the height of the Troubles, symbolizing the high tensions and security challenges of the time.
1999 – Belmullet, County Mayo, is evacuated after a factory fire
A major fire at a rubber factory in Belmullet led to the evacuation of nearly the entire population of the small coastal town. Though no fatalities occurred, the event was a rare example of mass evacuation in rural Ireland and underscored the risks industrial developments could pose to isolated communities.
2000 – John Dennehy elected OECD education committee chair
John Dennehy, Secretary General of Ireland’s Department of Education and Science, was elected chair of the OECD’s Education Committee, becoming the first Irish person to hold the post. His election reflected Ireland’s growing influence in international education policy at the turn of the 21st century.
2001 – Irish government funds Jeanie Johnston famine ship project
The Irish government approved £2 million in emergency funding to rescue the Jeanie Johnston, a replica famine-era emigrant ship facing financial collapse. The ship had been built as a heritage project and floating museum to honor those who emigrated during the Great Famine, and the bailout reflected Ireland’s commitment to preserving that legacy.
2001 – Butch Moore, Eurovision pioneer, dies
Butch Moore, the first singer to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965, passed away. A major figure in 20th-century Irish entertainment, his career helped pave the way for Ireland’s later success in the contest and popularized Irish showband music internationally.
2001 – Supreme Court criticizes state for lack of Irish legal translations
On April 15, the Irish Supreme Court issued a rare public rebuke, noting that many laws and important legal materials were still not available in the Irish language. This highlighted ongoing challenges in fulfilling constitutional commitments to promote Irish and ensure its equal status alongside English.
2002 – First PSNI graduates appointed
Forty-four young officers graduated as the first fully operational members of the new Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), created to replace the Royal Ulster Constabulary as part of the Good Friday Agreement reforms. Their commissioning marked a step toward a more representative and community-oriented police force in Northern Ireland.
2002 – Richard Donovan runs marathon at both Poles
Galway adventurer Richard Donovan became the first person to complete a marathon at both the North and South Poles. His accomplishment garnered international attention and placed Ireland on the map for extreme sports and endurance feats, raising awareness and funds for charity in the process.
2003 – Funeral of actress Pat Leavy held in Dublin
The funeral of actress Pat Leavy, beloved for her role in RTÉ’s “Fair City,” was held on April 15. Leavy’s work on Irish television made her a household name, and her passing was widely mourned by the entertainment community and audiences alike.
2011 – First civil partnership between two men in Irish history
Filmmaker Barry Dignam and his partner Hugh Walsh entered into Ireland’s first official civil partnership between two men. This landmark moment came just months after the Civil Partnership Act came into effect and represented a major milestone in Ireland’s journey toward equality for LGBTQ+ citizens.