1682 – The Eaton Baronetcy of Dunmoylin, County Limerick, is created in the Baronetage of Ireland for Simon Eaton.
The Eaton Baronetcy of Dunmoylin was created in 1682 for Simon Eaton, a notable figure of the time. This hereditary title was part of the British system of nobility and was awarded as recognition for Eaton’s service. The creation of baronetcies during this period was a common way for the British Crown to reward loyal subjects in Ireland, consolidating their control over Irish land and politics.
1775 – Edward Denny, MP for Tralee, commits suicide.
Edward Denny, a Member of Parliament for Tralee, tragically took his own life in 1775. Denny’s death drew attention due to his prominence in the political and social circles of Ireland. His passing reflected the mental and emotional toll that public life and personal struggles could have on individuals in the 18th century, a time when personal difficulties were often kept private.
1822 – Richard Bourke, 6th Earl of Mayo, is born in Dublin.
Richard Bourke, born in 1822, would later become the 6th Earl of Mayo and serve as a significant political figure. As Viceroy of India, his reforms aimed at modernizing India’s administration, especially with regard to land reforms and public works. His political career in both Ireland and India made him a notable figure in the British colonial administration, although his tenure ended with his assassination in 1872.
1857 – James Stephens holds a crucial meeting in Dublin to plan the Fenian movement.
James Stephens, an Irish revolutionary, held a crucial meeting in 1857 in Dublin to plan the Fenian movement, which aimed to achieve Irish independence. The meeting laid the foundations for what would become a significant political and military movement advocating for Irish republicanism. Stephens’ role in organizing the Fenians marked a pivotal moment in the history of Irish nationalism.
1910 – Sir Edward Carson becomes the leader of the Irish Unionists.
In 1910, Sir Edward Carson became the leader of the Irish Unionists, a political group that opposed Irish Home Rule and sought to maintain Ireland’s status as part of the United Kingdom. Carson was a dominant figure in the movement, leading the opposition to the Irish Nationalist cause and organizing resistance to Home Rule legislation. His actions during this period helped solidify the divide between the pro- and anti-Home Rule factions in Ireland.
1917 – The Irish Convention meets to discuss the implementation of Home Rule.
In 1917, the Irish Convention met to discuss the possibility of implementing Home Rule, a long-debated issue regarding the degree of self-governance Ireland should have within the British Empire. Although the convention failed to find common ground, it represented an attempt to reach a compromise on the constitutional future of Ireland. This meeting reflected the growing divisions and tensions between the unionist and nationalist factions.
1921 – In reprisal for the shooting of an Ulster Special Constabulary officer, members of the USC and the UVF burn nationalist-owned homes in Roslea.
In 1921, in retaliation for the shooting of an Ulster Special Constabulary officer, members of the Ulster Special Constabulary (USC) and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) burned nationalist-owned homes in Roslea, County Fermanagh. This violent act was part of the ongoing sectarian violence that characterized the Irish War of Independence, illustrating the tension and hostility between the Catholic nationalist and Protestant unionist communities.
1941 – The first flight by a British Royal Air Force flying boat occurs through the “Donegal Corridor.”
In 1941, the first flight by a British Royal Air Force flying boat occurred through the “Donegal Corridor,” a narrow stretch of Irish airspace that was agreed upon as neutral during World War II. This agreement allowed Allied aircraft to travel over neutral Ireland, which was crucial for maintaining the supply routes during the war. The “Donegal Corridor” became a significant feature of Ireland’s neutrality policy during the conflict.
1944 – The United States government requests the Irish government to remove Axis consular and diplomatic representatives.
In 1944, the United States government, through its Minister in Dublin, presented a request to the Irish government to remove Axis consular and diplomatic representatives. This request was based on concerns about the safety of American soldiers and the success of Allied military operations during World War II. Ireland, which remained neutral during the conflict, faced increasing pressure to align more closely with the Allies in this diplomatic matter.
1945 – Marine Captain Joseph Jeremiah McCarthy is awarded the Medal of Honor.
In 1945, Marine Captain Joseph Jeremiah McCarthy was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in leading his company during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. McCarthy’s bravery and leadership under fire earned him the United States’ highest military honor, reflecting the significant contributions of Irish-Americans in the U.S. military during the war.
1948 – Annie M. P. Smithson, a nurse, novelist, poet, and nationalist, passes away.
Annie M. P. Smithson, a well-known Irish nurse, novelist, poet, and nationalist, passed away in 1948. She was an influential figure in Irish literary and nationalist circles, advocating for Irish independence through her writing and activism. Smithson’s work and life were marked by her commitment to both the arts and the Irish national cause.
1964 – The new Garda Síochána training center is opened in Templemore, County Tipperary.
In 1964, the new Garda Síochána (Irish police) training center was officially opened in Templemore, County Tipperary. This development was a significant step in modernizing the Irish police force, providing better facilities for training officers and improving law enforcement practices across the country. The training center remains an important institution for Ireland’s police force.
1974 – The Ulster Workers’ Council begins planning their general strike.
In 1974, the Ulster Workers’ Council (UWC) began planning their general strike in Northern Ireland. This strike was a key moment in the region’s political history, as it aimed to disrupt the power-sharing government and maintain unionist control. The UWC strike was a critical event that helped to bring down the Sunningdale Agreement and marked a significant turning point in the Northern Ireland conflict.
1977 – A crater on Mercury is named after W. B. Yeats.
In 1977, a crater on the planet Mercury was named after the renowned Irish poet W. B. Yeats. This honor was part of a larger effort to name celestial features after important historical figures. Yeats, known for his contributions to Irish literature and his advocacy for Irish culture, became the first Irish figure to be memorialized in this way in space.
1893 – Peadar O’Donnell, revolutionary and writer, is born in County Donegal.
Peadar O’Donnell, born in County Donegal in 1893, was a revolutionary and writer who played a pivotal role in Irish nationalist movements. He was a prominent figure in the Irish War of Independence and later became a key figure in the Irish Republican Army. O’Donnell’s works on social and political issues, along with his contributions to Irish history, made him a significant figure in 20th-century Ireland.
| 2007 – The inaugural Ted Fest, celebrating the television series “Father Ted,” is held on Inis Mór. In 2007, the inaugural Ted Fest was held on Inis Mór, one of the Aran Islands, to celebrate the cult television series “Father Ted.” This quirky festival brought fans of the show together to celebrate the eccentric humor of the series, which depicted the lives of three Irish priests. The event highlighted the lasting popularity of “Father Ted” and its cultural significance in Ireland. |  |
2009 – Up to 120,000 people march in Dublin to protest the government’s handling of the economic crisis.
In 2009, a massive protest took place in Dublin, with up to 120,000 people marching in opposition to the Irish government’s handling of the economic crisis. The march was a demonstration of public frustration over austerity measures and the state of the national economy, reflecting growing discontent among Irish citizens during the global financial downturn.
2012 – President Michael D. Higgins begins his first official trip abroad.
In 2012, President Michael D. Higgins began his first official trip abroad with a visit to London. This historic trip was aimed at strengthening relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom. During his visit, President Higgins met with members of the Irish community and addressed the London School of Economics, highlighting his diplomatic role in fostering international ties for Ireland.
1999 – Seven men, including senior figures in the Real IRA, are arrested in connection with the Omagh bombing.
In 1999, seven men, including senior figures in the Real IRA, were arrested in connection with the Omagh bombing, one of the most tragic events in the Northern Ireland conflict. The arrests were part of a broader investigation into the bombing, which killed 29 people and injured over 200. The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the attack, which was a devastating blow to the peace process.
2000 – A new survey reveals that Dubliners have more disposable income than people living in other parts of Ireland.
In 2000, a survey revealed that Dubliners had significantly more disposable income than people living in other parts of Ireland. This finding highlighted the growing economic divide between Dublin, the country’s economic center, and the rest of the nation. The disparity in wealth reflected broader trends of urban-rural inequality in Ireland at the time.
2001 – The country’s multi-billion-pound livestock industry is on full alert for signs of foot and mouth disease.
In 2001, Ireland’s multi-billion-pound livestock industry went on high alert for signs of foot and mouth disease after the first outbreak in Britain in twenty years was confirmed in pigs. The disease posed a serious threat to the agricultural sector, and authorities in both Ireland and the UK took immediate steps to prevent its spread, including the culling of infected animals and movement restrictions.
2001 – Ronnie Drew becomes one of the first non-sportsmen to receive a Posthouse Legend in Life award.
In 2001, Ronnie Drew, the iconic frontman of The Dubliners, became one of the first non-sportsmen to receive a Posthouse Legend in Life award. Drew’s contributions to Irish music and culture earned him this prestigious recognition, cementing his legacy as one of Ireland’s most beloved folk musicians.
2001 – The British and Irish Governments are considering proposals for round table talks.
In 2001, the British and Irish governments were considering proposals for round table talks involving the Northern Ireland parties, amid growing pessimism about the peace process. These discussions were aimed at resolving tensions and ensuring the continuation of the Good Friday Agreement, which had brought peace to Northern Ireland after decades of conflict.
2001 – Desmond O’Connell becomes the first Archbishop of Dublin in over 100 years to be installed as a Cardinal.
In 2001, Desmond O’Connell became the first Archbishop of Dublin in over a century to be installed as a Cardinal. This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone for the Irish Catholic Church, as O’Connell’s elevation to Cardinal highlighted the influence and prominence of the Irish church within the global Catholic community.
2003 – A rare political letter written by Michael Collins fetches a record price of €28,000 at an auction.
In 2003, a rare political letter written by Michael Collins fetched a record price of €28,000 at an auction. The letter, which provided insight into Collins’ political strategy during the Irish War of Independence, was fiercely contested by collectors and historians. The sale of the letter reflected the continued fascination with Collins and his role in shaping modern Ireland.
2011 – Well-known artist Paul Funge dies after a short illness.
In 2011, Paul Funge, a well-known Irish artist, passed away after a short illness. Funge’s portrait work, which included likenesses of prominent figures like U2’s Adam Clayton and Frank McGuinness, made him a prominent figure in the Irish arts scene. His passing was a significant loss to the cultural community in Ireland.