1570 – Pope Pius V Excommunicates Queen Elizabeth I
Pope Pius V issues the papal bull Regnans in Excelsis, formally excommunicating Queen Elizabeth I of England. This decree absolves her subjects of allegiance to her rule and intensifies tensions between Catholic Ireland and Protestant England.
1684 – Death of Richard Nugent, 2nd Earl of Westmeath
Richard Nugent, an Irish nobleman and military commander, passes away. He played a role in the political and military landscape of 17th-century Ireland.
1852 – Death of Thomas Moore
Irish poet, songwriter, and historian Thomas Moore dies. He was best known for Irish Melodies, a collection of songs including The Minstrel Boy and The Last Rose of Summer, which remain influential in Irish music and literature.
1860 – Irish Support for the Pope
A nationwide fundraising effort in Ireland collects £80,000, including £11,000 in Dublin alone, to support Pope Pius IX against Italian unification forces during the Risorgimento.
1891 – Birth of Edward “Ned” Daly
Born in Limerick, Edward Daly would later become a commander in the 1916 Easter Rising, leading the Four Courts garrison. He was executed for his role in the rebellion at just 25 years old.
1904 – First Performance of Riders to the Sea
J. M. Synge’s famous tragedy Riders to the Sea premieres at the Molesworth Hall in Dublin. The play, depicting the hardships of Irish coastal life, is now regarded as one of the finest one-act dramas in English literature.
1917 – Sinking of the SS Hare
The cargo steamship SS Hare is torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland. Twelve people lose their lives. The ship was known for delivering food supplies to Dublin during the 1913 Lockout, making its loss symbolic for many Irish workers.
| 1921 – Coolavokig Ambush In one of the many battles of the Irish War of Independence, the IRA’s Cork No. 1 Brigade, led by Dan “Sandow” O’Donovan, ambushes a British convoy at Coolavokig, County Cork. British officer Major James Grant is killed in the attack. |  |
1934 – Ireland’s First World Cup Match
The Irish football team plays its first-ever World Cup qualifier in Dublin, drawing 4-4 with Belgium. This marks a milestone in Ireland’s international football history.
1947 – Worst Blizzard in Living Memory
A severe snowstorm strikes Ireland, bringing the country to a standstill. The blizzard disrupts transport and power supplies, leaving many communities isolated for days.
1951 – Birth of Neil Jordan
Award-winning Irish writer and filmmaker Neil Jordan is born. He later becomes internationally recognized for films like The Crying Game, Michael Collins, and Interview with the Vampire.
1952 – Birth of Joey Dunlop
Joey Dunlop, one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time, is born in Armoy, County Antrim. He becomes a multiple-time winner at the Isle of Man TT and is revered for his sportsmanship and philanthropy.
2006 – Dublin Riots During “Love Ulster” Rally
A planned unionist demonstration in Dublin, known as the “Love Ulster” march, descends into chaos as rioters clash with police. Cars and buildings are set on fire, and dozens of people are injured or arrested.
2011 – General Election in Ireland
Following Ireland’s financial crisis, a general election is held, leading to a historic defeat for Fianna Fáil, which suffers its worst-ever result. Fine Gael emerges as the largest party, forming a coalition government with Labour.