1366 – The Statutes of Kilkenny are enacted to preserve English rule in Ireland.
The Statutes of Kilkenny were enacted by the Irish Parliament to prevent Norman settlers from adopting Irish customs. These laws forbade intermarriage between the English and Irish, the use of the Irish language, and the adoption of Irish cultural practices. The legislation aimed to maintain English authority in Ireland but was largely ineffective due to weak enforcement and continued integration between the Normans and the native Irish.
1684 – A “court of grace” is appointed to inquire into tithes on land.
A special “court of grace” was established to address grievances regarding the taxation of landowners for the maintenance of the Church of Ireland. The tithe system, which required both Catholics and Protestant dissenters to contribute financially to the Anglican Church, was deeply unpopular. The court sought to mediate disputes but ultimately failed to resolve tensions surrounding the issue, which remained a source of unrest for years to come.
1845 – The Devon Commission reports on extreme poverty in Ireland.
The Devon Commission, commissioned by the British government, published a report highlighting the harsh living conditions of Ireland’s rural population. The findings revealed that many tenant farmers lived in extreme poverty, surviving almost entirely on potatoes. The report’s warnings about Ireland’s economic vulnerability went largely unheeded, and later that year, the onset of the Great Famine led to mass starvation and emigration.
| 1882 – Ireland suffers a record defeat in its first international football match. Ireland played its first international football match against England in Belfast, suffering a humiliating 13–0 defeat. The match remains one of the most lopsided results in international football history. Ireland, composed mostly of amateur players, struggled against England’s well-established squad. Despite the loss, Irish football continued to grow, leading to the country’s later success on the international stage. |  |
1918 – The Representation of the People Act extends voting rights in Ireland.
The Representation of the People Act 1918 dramatically expanded suffrage in Ireland, granting the vote to all men over 21 and women over 30 who met property requirements. The reform significantly increased the Irish electorate and played a key role in the 1918 general election, which saw Sinn Féin achieve a landslide victory. This election led to the formation of the First Dáil and Ireland’s eventual path toward independence.
1920 – The IRA executes Timothy Quinlisk as an informer.
Timothy Quinlisk, a former member of the German Irish Brigade, was executed by the Irish Republican Army in Ballyphehane, County Cork. He was suspected of informing on Michael Collins’ intelligence network to the British authorities. The execution was part of a broader campaign by the IRA to eliminate informers and protect their operations during the Irish War of Independence.
1948 – John A. Costello is elected Taoiseach, replacing Éamon de Valera.
Following the 1948 general election, John A. Costello was elected as Ireland’s second Taoiseach, ending Éamon de Valera’s 16-year tenure. Costello led a coalition government that later declared Ireland a republic, formally severing constitutional ties with the British monarchy. His leadership marked a turning point in Ireland’s international identity and political landscape.
1957 – The Brookeborough Raid ends in failure for the IRA.
During the IRA’s Border Campaign, a group of republicans launched an attack on a Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) barracks in Brookeborough, County Fermanagh. The raid went badly for the IRA, with two of its members being killed. The failure weakened the IRA’s campaign and contributed to the eventual decline of militant republican activity. The event was later commemorated in the Irish rebel song “The Patriot Game.”
2010 – Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea resigns amid controversy.
Willie O’Dea, Ireland’s Minister for Defence, resigned after a scandal involving false allegations he made about a political opponent. His comments, which he later retracted, caused a major controversy and led to significant political fallout. His resignation was seen as a blow to the Fianna Fáil government, which was already struggling during Ireland’s economic crisis.
2015 – BBC Northern Ireland’s ‘Spotlight’ wins ‘Scoop of the Year’.
The BBC Northern Ireland current affairs program Spotlight won the “Scoop of the Year” award at the Royal Television Society Awards for its episode “A Woman Alone With The IRA.” The investigative report examined how the Irish Republican Army handled allegations of sexual abuse within its ranks. The program was praised for its in-depth journalism and for shedding light on a highly controversial issue.
2015 – UTV Ireland confirms the broadcast of Carl Frampton’s fight.
UTV Ireland announced it would televise the boxing match between Carl Frampton and Chris Avalos, scheduled for February 28, 2015. The decision came after concerns from Irish viewers who had lost access to UTV following the launch of its all-Ireland counterpart. The announcement ensured that fans across Ireland would be able to watch the highly anticipated bout.
2023 – The ‘Ireland for All’ march in Dublin draws thousands.
Up to 50,000 people took part in the “Ireland for All” march in Dublin, demonstrating solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers while opposing racism and far-right extremism. The rally, one of the largest of its kind, highlighted Ireland’s evolving stance on inclusivity and human rights. The large turnout reflected growing public support for diversity and social justice in the country.