1692 – The Treaty of Limerick is Ratified
In 1692, the Treaty of Limerick was formally ratified by William of Orange. Originally signed in 1691, the treaty marked the end of the Williamite War in Ireland, offering protections to Irish Catholics who had supported James II. However, the terms were soon ignored, leading to the introduction of harsh Penal Laws that further oppressed the Catholic population.
1854 – Death of Daniel Florence O’Leary
Daniel Florence O’Leary, a Cork-born general who played a key role in South America’s wars of independence, died in Bogotá, Colombia, on February 24, 1854. O’Leary fought alongside Simón Bolívar and later documented his campaigns, leaving behind a valuable historical record of the struggle for independence in Latin America.
1862 – The Irish People Newspaper is Founded
On February 24, 1862, the Fenian movement established The Irish People newspaper as a platform for advocating Irish independence. The paper became a key voice for the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) and played an important role in spreading nationalist ideas before being suppressed by British authorities in 1865.
| 1920 – IRA Vice Commandant Martin Devitt Killed in Ambush During the Irish War of Independence, IRA Vice Commandant Martin Devitt was killed in an ambush while attacking an RIC patrol between Fermoyle and Inagh, County Clare. His death was considered a significant loss for the local IRA, as Devitt had been a key figure in the guerrilla war against British forces. |  |
1920 – IRA Vice Commandant Martin Devitt Killed in Ambush
During the Irish War of Independence, IRA Vice Commandant Martin Devitt was killed in an ambush while attacking an RIC patrol between Fermoyle and Inagh, County Clare. His death was considered a significant loss for the local IRA, as Devitt had been a key figure in the guerrilla war against British forces.
1921 – Terence MacSwiney’s Play The Revolutionist Premieres
One year after his death on hunger strike, Terence MacSwiney’s play The Revolutionist was staged for the first time at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. Written before his imprisonment, the play reflected his deep nationalist convictions and became part of his enduring legacy.
1957 – Alfred Chester Beatty Becomes Ireland’s First Honorary Citizen
On February 24, 1957, art collector and philanthropist Sir Alfred Chester Beatty was granted honorary Irish citizenship, making him the first person to receive this distinction. His vast collection of rare manuscripts and artworks formed the foundation of the Chester Beatty Library, which remains one of Ireland’s most important cultural institutions.
1975 – Split in the Official Irish Republican Army
The Official IRA experienced a major ideological split on February 24, 1975, with some members pushing for a renewed militant campaign while others advocated for a political approach. This division further fragmented the Irish republican movement during the Troubles and contributed to the rise of different factions within Irish nationalism.