| 1689 – William and Mary are proclaimed king and queen jointly. Following the Glorious Revolution, William of Orange and his wife, Mary, daughter of the deposed King James II, are officially declared joint monarchs of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Their reign significantly impacts Ireland, leading to the Williamite War and the Battle of the Boyne, which cements Protestant dominance in Irish affairs. |  |
1820 – Leonard McNally, lawyer and English informer, dies.
McNally was a barrister who outwardly defended Irish rebels but secretly informed the British government about their activities. His betrayal of the United Irishmen was only revealed after his death, shocking many nationalists who had trusted him.
1864 – Stephen Lucius Gwynn, writer and nationalist, is born in Dublin.
Gwynn was a historian, journalist, and politician known for his writings on Irish culture and history. He was also a moderate nationalist who supported Home Rule but opposed violent rebellion, believing in parliamentary efforts to achieve Irish self-governance.
1871 – Joseph Devlin, Belfast Nationalist, is born.
Devlin was a prominent Irish Nationalist MP and a key figure in the Irish Parliamentary Party. He advocated for Home Rule and worked tirelessly to improve the rights of Catholic workers in Belfast, often clashing with Unionists in the city.
1898 – Frank Aiken, revolutionary and politician, is born in County Armagh.
Aiken was an IRA commander during the War of Independence and later served as Ireland’s Minister for External Affairs. He played a significant role in shaping Ireland’s neutral stance in international affairs and was a strong advocate for the United Nations.
1938 – Larry Cunningham, country singer, is born in Granard, County Offaly.
Cunningham became one of Ireland’s most successful country musicians, helping to popularize the genre in Ireland. His hit songs and performances influenced the growth of the Irish country music scene.
1956 – Liam Brady, former soccer international, is born in Dublin.
Brady was one of Ireland’s greatest footballers, playing for clubs such as Arsenal and Juventus. Known for his skillful playmaking, he later became a respected football analyst and coach.
1960 – Orson Welles makes his final stage appearance in Belfast.
The legendary filmmaker and actor Orson Welles gives his last-ever stage performance in his adaptation of Chimes at Midnight at Belfast’s Grand Opera House before the production moves to Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre. The play was based on Shakespeare’s Falstaff.
1966 – The Bishop of Clonfert criticizes The Late Late Show.
A controversy erupts when the Bishop of Clonfert condemns The Late Late Show, hosted by Gay Byrne, for its discussion of topics deemed inappropriate for Irish television. The incident highlights tensions between the conservative Catholic Church and Ireland’s evolving media landscape.
1980 – Ireland’s first ATM is launched.
The Bank of Ireland introduces the country’s first automated teller machine (ATM), known as the “Bank of Ireland Pass machine.” This marks a major advancement in Irish banking technology, allowing customers to access cash more conveniently.
2010 – A fire destroys a head shop and a sex shop on Capel Street, Dublin.
A mysterious fire breaks out in two adjacent businesses, leading to the closure of Capel Street for a weekend. The incident occurs during a period of growing concern over the sale of legal highs in Ireland.
2010 – West Jewellers closes after 290 years in business.
One of Dublin’s oldest businesses, West Jewellers on Grafton Street, shuts its doors permanently after nearly three centuries of trading. Its closure is seen as a symbol of the changing retail landscape in Ireland’s capital.
2011 – Actor TP McKenna dies.
Renowned Irish actor TP McKenna, known for his work on stage, film, and television, passes away in London after a long illness. His career spanned five decades, featuring roles in Doctor Who, The Avengers, and numerous acclaimed stage productions.
2019 – Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern gives evidence in Westminster.
Bertie Ahern, who served as Taoiseach from 1997 to 2008, appears before the Committee for Exiting the European Union in Westminster. His insights into the Good Friday Agreement are sought as Brexit raises concerns about the future of the Irish border.