| 1597 – Dublin Gunpowder Disaster On March 11, 1597, a massive gunpowder explosion occurred on the Dublin quays. A large shipment of gunpowder, stored in barrels, ignited unexpectedly, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that killed 126 people and destroyed around forty houses. The explosion was one of the most devastating accidents in Dublin’s history and had a lasting impact on safety regulations regarding the storage of gunpowder. |  |
1605 – Proclamation on Subjects of the King
King James I issued a proclamation on March 11, 1605, declaring that all persons in his realm, including Ireland, were his natural and immediate subjects, not beholden to any lord or chief. This move aimed to centralize authority under the Crown and reduce the influence of Gaelic lords and clan leaders, further integrating Ireland into the English legal and political system.
1812 – Birth of William Vincent Wallace
Born in County Waterford on March 11, 1812, William Vincent Wallace became one of Ireland’s most renowned composers. His most famous work, the opera Maritana, was widely celebrated across Europe and America. Wallace’s compositions contributed significantly to 19th-century romantic opera, and his influence remains present in classical music.
1858 – Birth of Thomas James Clarke
Thomas Clarke, born on March 11, 1858, on the Isle of Wight to Irish parents, became a leading figure in the Irish revolutionary movement. He played a crucial role in organizing the 1916 Easter Rising and was the first signatory of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. Clarke was executed for his role in the rebellion, becoming a martyr for the Irish independence cause.
1880 – Parnell and the Irish National Land League of the USA
On March 11, 1880, Charles Stewart Parnell concluded his tour of the United States by establishing the Irish National Land League of the USA. This organization sought financial and political support for land reform in Ireland, advocating for tenant farmers’ rights and fair rent policies. Parnell’s leadership in this movement was instrumental in shaping Ireland’s struggle for land ownership reform.
1926 – Éamon de Valera Resigns from Sinn Féin
Éamon de Valera resigned as President of Sinn Féin on March 11, 1926, after his motion to allow elected representatives to take their seats in the Dáil was defeated. He subsequently founded Fianna Fáil, which would become one of Ireland’s dominant political parties. His departure marked a major shift in Irish politics, as he pursued a more pragmatic approach to achieving Irish sovereignty.
1948 – Fire at Shannon Airport
A devastating fire broke out at Shannon Airport on March 11, 1948, destroying the airport’s control tower. Shannon, a key transatlantic hub, suffered a significant disruption as a result of the fire. The incident led to a major reconstruction effort and reinforced the importance of improving fire safety measures at Ireland’s airports.
1951 – Ian Paisley Founds the Free Presbyterian Church
On March 11, 1951, Ian Paisley co-founded the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster in response to what he saw as liberalism within the mainstream Presbyterian Church. Paisley’s church became a key institution for Protestant fundamentalism in Northern Ireland, playing a major role in both religious and political affairs in the decades that followed.
1964 – Birth of Shane Richie
Actor and entertainer Shane Richie was born in London on March 11, 1964, to Irish parents. Best known for his role as Alfie Moon in EastEnders, Richie has enjoyed a successful career in television, music, and theater. His Irish heritage has played a role in his public persona, and he remains a popular figure in the entertainment industry.
1974 – The Littlejohn Brothers Escape Mountjoy Prison
Kenneth and Keith Littlejohn, two convicted criminals with alleged ties to British intelligence, escaped from Mountjoy Prison in Dublin on March 11, 1974. Their escape caused a major scandal, as reports suggested that they had been working for British security services in an attempt to infiltrate the IRA. The event remains one of the most controversial jailbreaks in Irish history.
2002 – Michael Collins Shortlisted for IMPAC Literary Award
On March 11, 2002, Irish author Michael Collins was shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award for his novel The Keepers of Truth. Born in Limerick, Collins gained international acclaim for his work, which explores themes of identity, politics, and the struggles of rural America. The IMPAC Award nomination solidified his reputation as a leading contemporary Irish writer.