1586 – Clanowen Castle in County Clare is captured from Mahon O’Brien by Sir Richard Bingham.
Sir Richard Bingham, an English military commander, played a key role in suppressing Irish resistance during the late 16th century. His capture of Clanowen Castle was part of a broader effort to quell uprisings in Munster, further consolidating English control over Ireland.
1703 – Birth of Philip Tisdall, politician and Attorney General known for his lavish hospitality.
Philip Tisdall was a significant figure in 18th-century Irish politics, serving as Attorney General and later as a government minister. He was known for his influence in Dublin political circles and his extravagant social gatherings, which made him a central player in the Irish political scene.
1726 – Abraham Shackleton, a Quaker, opens a school at Ballitore, Co. Kildare. Edmund Burke will later be a pupil.
Abraham Shackleton founded a school in Ballitore, which became renowned for its progressive educational methods. One of its most famous students was Edmund Burke, the great statesman and political thinker who later became a key figure in British politics.
1776 – Irish-born Andrew Lewis is appointed a Brigadier General in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Andrew Lewis, originally from County Donegal, played a crucial role in the American War of Independence. As a brigadier general, he contributed to key battles and helped secure American victory against the British.
1776 – Irish-born John Armstrong is appointed a Brigadier General in the Continental Army.
John Armstrong, another Irish-born military leader, served with distinction in the American Revolutionary War. His strategic abilities and leadership earned him a respected place in American military history.
1776 – Irish-born William Thompson is appointed a Brigadier General in the Continental Army.
William Thompson, born in Ireland, became one of the early military leaders of the American revolutionaries. He was instrumental in leading troops in several early engagements against the British.
1794 – Statutes of Dublin University amended to allow Catholics to take degrees.
In a step toward educational reform, Trinity College Dublin allowed Catholic students to obtain degrees, though they still faced significant discrimination in other areas of society and governance.
1848 – Augustus St. Gaudens, Irish sculptor of Dublin’s Parnell monument, is born.
Augustus St. Gaudens was an influential sculptor of the 19th century. His works, including the Parnell Monument in Dublin, played a role in commemorating Ireland’s nationalist leaders and fostering a sense of national pride.
1905 – Birth of Nano Reid, painter, in Drogheda, Co. Louth.
Nano Reid was an acclaimed Irish painter known for her evocative landscapes and portraits. She played a significant role in modern Irish art and was recognized internationally for her unique style.
1921 – IRA North Longford commander Seán Mac Eoin is captured at Mullingar and charged with the murder of an RIC detective.
Seán Mac Eoin, a prominent IRA leader during the Irish War of Independence, was captured and imprisoned by British forces. His arrest sparked protests and later political negotiations that led to his release.
1949 – Birth in Donegal of guitarist Rory Gallagher.
Rory Gallagher was one of Ireland’s most influential rock and blues guitarists. His electrifying performances and dedication to music earned him a worldwide following and left a lasting legacy in the music industry.
1953 – Birth of Martin O’Neill, international soccer star and manager of Celtic.
Martin O’Neill was a celebrated footballer and later a successful manager, leading teams such as Celtic and the Republic of Ireland national team to major victories.
1965 – Roger Casement’s body is re-interred in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.
Roger Casement, an Irish nationalist executed for his role in the 1916 Easter Rising, was reburied in Ireland with full honors. His legacy as a revolutionary and human rights advocate continues to be remembered.
1976 – “Special Category” status is removed from political prisoners in Northern Ireland.
The removal of “special category” status meant that paramilitary prisoners were no longer treated as prisoners of war but as criminals, leading to protests and hunger strikes that escalated tensions during the Troubles.
| 1981 – Bobby Sands begins his hunger strike at Long Kesh prison. Bobby Sands, an IRA member, led a hunger strike to demand political prisoner status. His eventual death and those of other hunger strikers intensified global attention on the Northern Ireland conflict. |  |
1988 – The SAS controversially kills three IRA members in Gibraltar.
British SAS soldiers killed three unarmed IRA members in Gibraltar, sparking controversy and international debate over the legality of the operation.