1119 – Murtough O’Brien, King of Munster, dies at Lismore.
Murtough O’Brien, a significant figure in Ireland’s medieval history, was a member of the powerful O’Brien dynasty. His reign was marked by attempts to consolidate Munster’s power, often clashing with rival Irish kingdoms and Viking settlements. His death at Lismore signaled the end of an era of O’Brien dominance in the south of Ireland.
1705 – English Act Permits Direct Export of Irish Linen to American Colonies.
The linen industry was one of Ireland’s most important economic sectors in the 18th century. This act allowed Irish linen producers to export their goods directly to the American colonies, bypassing English intermediaries. The legislation helped boost the Irish linen trade, which became a cornerstone of economic activity, particularly in Ulster.
1732 – Birth of Sackville Hamilton.
Sackville Hamilton was an influential politician and civil servant in 18th-century Ireland. He held various government positions, including roles in financial administration and parliamentary affairs. His career reflected the close political and economic ties between Ireland and Britain during this period, as well as the growing influence of the Anglo-Irish elite.
1921 – Execution of Six IRA Members in Mountjoy Prison.
As part of the British government’s campaign to suppress the Irish War of Independence, six IRA members were executed by hanging in Mountjoy Prison. These men were among the so-called “Forgotten Ten,” IRA members executed during the conflict. Their deaths became symbols of British oppression, fueling nationalist sentiment and increasing support for the independence movement.
1923 – Execution of Charlie Daly and Three IRA Members.
During the Irish Civil War, Charlie Daly and three other anti-Treaty IRA members were executed by the Free State government in retaliation for attacks on government forces. Their deaths underscored the bitter divisions within Ireland following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, with former comrades fighting on opposite sides of the conflict.
1973 – Liam Cosgrave Becomes Taoiseach.
Following the general election, Liam Cosgrave, leader of Fine Gael, was appointed Taoiseach. His tenure was marked by efforts to maintain stability during a turbulent period in Irish history, particularly as violence escalated in Northern Ireland. His government also saw Ireland join the European Economic Community (EEC), a move that significantly shaped Ireland’s economic future.
| 1984 – Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams Shot and Wounded. Gerry Adams, leader of Sinn Féin and a key figure in Irish republicanism, was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt in Belfast. The attack was carried out by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), a loyalist paramilitary group. Adams survived the shooting, and his role in the peace process would later prove instrumental in securing the Good Friday Agreement. |  |
1991 – The Birmingham Six are Freed.
The Birmingham Six—six Irishmen wrongly convicted of bombing two pubs in Birmingham in 1974—were released after their convictions were overturned. Their case became one of the most notorious miscarriages of justice in British legal history, highlighting the widespread mistreatment of Irish suspects during the Troubles. Their exoneration fueled calls for legal reforms and increased scrutiny of anti-Irish discrimination in Britain.
2013 – Broadcast of the Lowry Tapes.
The release of the “Lowry Tapes” sent shockwaves through Irish politics. The tapes contained conversations between politician Michael Lowry and land agent Kevin Phelan, revealing discussions about financial dealings and alleged corruption. The scandal reignited debates about transparency in Irish politics and further damaged Lowry’s already controversial reputation.