February 28

1760 – Naval Defeat of French Forces Near Ireland

On February 28, 1760, French privateer François Thurot, who had captured Carrickfergus in County Antrim, was defeated and killed in a naval engagement in the Irish Sea. His fleet was intercepted by the Royal Navy off the Isle of Man, and the French suffered a crushing defeat, ending Thurot’s raids on the Irish coast.

1885 – Ireland’s First Home Championship Football Match

On February 28, 1885, Ireland played its first home football match in the inaugural British Home Championship, facing England in Belfast. The match ended in a 4-0 defeat for Ireland, but it marked a significant step in the development of Irish football.

1921 – Execution of IRA Volunteers in Cork

During the Irish War of Independence, six IRA prisoners were executed by British forces at Cork County Gaol on February 28, 1921. These executions were part of a broader strategy by the British government to suppress the IRA’s armed campaign for Irish independence.

1973 – A Fine Gael–Labour Coalition Wins the General Election

On February 28, 1973, the Irish general election resulted in a Fine Gael–Labour coalition victory, ending 16 years of Fianna Fáil dominance. The new government was led by Liam Cosgrave of Fine Gael as Taoiseach, with Labour’s Brendan Corish serving as Tánaiste. This administration focused on social reform and Ireland’s integration into the European Economic Community (EEC), which the country had joined in January 1973. However, it faced significant challenges, including economic difficulties and the escalation of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

1985 – The IRA Kills Nine RUC Officers in Newry On February 28, 1985, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) carried out a devastating mortar attack on the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) station in Newry, County Down. The attack involved the use of a Mark 10 mortar system, which launched shells into the station’s canteen, killing nine RUC officers and injuring nearly 40 others. This was the deadliest attack on the RUC during the Troubles and marked an escalation in the IRA’s campaign against security forces in Northern Ireland. The bombing prompted strong condemnation from both the British and Irish governments and led to increased security measures across the region.