1877 – The Home Rule Confederation holds its first major conference in Dublin.
The Home Rule Confederation was a political movement advocating for Irish self-government within the United Kingdom. Its first major conference in Dublin marked a significant step in organizing the nationalist movement and laid the groundwork for future parliamentary efforts to achieve Home Rule. The conference brought together politicians and activists, setting the stage for decades of constitutional nationalism.
1887 – Ireland plays Scotland in an international football match in Glasgow.
In one of the early international football matches, Ireland faced Scotland in Glasgow, with Scotland winning 4–1. Football was still developing as an organized sport in Ireland, and this match was part of a broader effort to establish the game at an international level. The Irish team, though inexperienced compared to their Scottish counterparts, helped pave the way for the development of football in Ireland.
1901 – Thomas O’Donnell is prevented from addressing the British House of Commons in Irish.
Thomas O’Donnell, a Nationalist MP from Kerry, attempted to speak in Irish during a session of the British House of Commons but was stopped by the Speaker. His effort highlighted the ongoing struggle for Irish cultural and linguistic recognition in British politics. The event stirred debate about the status of the Irish language and fueled calls for greater respect for Ireland’s national identity.
1904 – Muiris Ó Súilleabháin, author of Twenty Years A-Growing, is born on the Great Blasket Island.
Muiris Ó Súilleabháin was an Irish writer known for his memoir Twenty Years A-Growing, which vividly depicted life on the remote Great Blasket Island. His work, written in Irish and later translated into English, became a celebrated account of traditional island life, folklore, and the challenges of living in an isolated community. His writings remain an important cultural artifact of early 20th-century Ireland.
| 1921 – Three British soldiers are executed by the IRA in County Clare. During the Irish War of Independence, three British soldiers from the Oxford Regiment were captured by the IRA near Feakle, County Clare. The soldiers, suspected of being spies, were executed, and their bodies were later discovered near Woodford, County Galway. This incident was part of the wider guerrilla warfare strategy employed by the IRA against British forces, escalating tensions and violence in the conflict. |  |
1928 – The foundation stone of the Northern Ireland Parliament Building is laid at Stormont.
The Stormont Parliament Building, the seat of government for Northern Ireland, had its foundation stone laid on this day. The construction symbolized the establishment of Northern Ireland’s devolved government under the Government of Ireland Act 1920. The imposing neoclassical structure would later become a key political landmark, housing the Northern Ireland Assembly.
1932 – The Constitution (Removal of Oath) Bill is passed in Ireland.
The Irish government under Éamon de Valera passed the Constitution (Removal of Oath) Bill, which abolished the requirement for members of the Irish Parliament to swear an oath of allegiance to the British Crown. This was a significant step in dismantling the remaining ties between Ireland and Britain following independence, reinforcing Ireland’s push for full sovereignty.
1939 – Éamon de Valera states his intention to preserve Irish neutrality in World War II.
As tensions in Europe escalated, Taoiseach Éamon de Valera declared that Ireland would remain neutral in the event of a global conflict. His statement set the stage for Ireland’s policy of neutrality during World War II, a stance that helped the country avoid direct involvement in the war but also led to tensions with Britain and the Allies.
1954 – Captain Henry Harrison, the last surviving member of Parnell’s party, dies.
Henry Harrison was a journalist, politician, and close associate of Charles Stewart Parnell. As the last surviving member of Parnell’s political circle, his death marked the end of an era in Irish nationalism. Harrison had spent much of his life defending Parnell’s legacy and was known for his contributions to Irish political writing.
1963 – Telefís Éireann announces plans for a major expansion.
Telefís Éireann, Ireland’s national broadcaster, announced ambitious plans to expand its programming. The move reflected growing confidence in Irish television, with increased Irish-language content and original productions aimed at strengthening national identity and culture. The expansion played a significant role in modernizing media in Ireland.
1965 – The Campaign for Social Justice publishes Londonderry: One Man, No Vote.
The Campaign for Social Justice released Londonderry: One Man, No Vote, a report exposing widespread discrimination against Catholics in Northern Ireland. The publication detailed how electoral and housing policies disproportionately disadvantaged Catholics, fueling the civil rights movement and laying the foundation for later political activism in Northern Ireland.
1972 – Anti-EEC demonstrators march in Dublin.
A protest organized by the National Anti-European Economic Community (EEC) Committee took place in Dublin, opposing Ireland’s planned membership in the EEC. While the government strongly supported joining the European bloc, some feared economic and political consequences. Despite opposition, Ireland later voted to join the EEC in a referendum.
1987 – Fianna Fáil wins the general election, returning Charles Haughey as Taoiseach.
Fianna Fáil emerged victorious in the Irish general election, leading to the return of Charles Haughey as Taoiseach. His government faced economic challenges and political controversies, but his leadership marked another chapter in Fianna Fáil’s dominance of Irish politics.
1992 – The U.S. government deports Joseph Doherty, an IRA volunteer.
Joseph Doherty, a member of the IRA, was deported from the United States after a lengthy legal battle. He had escaped from prison in Northern Ireland and sought asylum in the U.S., where his case became a cause célèbre among Irish-American activists. His deportation was seen as a significant moment in U.S.-Irish relations regarding extradition policies.
2019 – An Irish ticket holder wins a record €175 million EuroMillions jackpot.
A lucky Irish winner claimed a staggering €175,475,380 in the EuroMillions lottery, the biggest jackpot ever won in Ireland at the time. The win sparked widespread speculation about the identity of the ticket holder and how they would spend their newfound fortune.