1718 – Birth of John Gore, Baron Annal
John Gore, later Baron Annal, was a prominent Irish lawyer and politician. He served as the Chief Justice of the King’s Bench in Ireland from 1764 to 1784. His legal career was influential in shaping Irish judiciary practices, and he played a significant role in the legal and political spheres of 18th-century Ireland.
1863 – The Ulster Railway reaches Clones
The Ulster Railway, which began construction in 1839, extended its line to Clones, a major milestone in Irish railway development. This expansion improved transportation and trade in Ulster, facilitating economic growth and better connectivity between towns and cities.
| 1920 – British intelligence operative John Charles Byrnes is killed During the Irish War of Independence, John Charles Byrnes, an intelligence agent for the British, was assassinated in Dublin by “The Squad,” a unit created by Michael Collins. The Squad specifically targeted British spies and informers, significantly weakening British intelligence operations in Ireland. |  |
1953 – Birth of Martin O’Neill
Martin O’Neill, born on this day, became a celebrated football player and manager. As a player, he was part of Brian Clough’s successful Nottingham Forest side, winning multiple European Cups. Later, he managed teams such as Celtic, Aston Villa, and the Republic of Ireland national team.
1965 – Roger Casement’s body is re-interred in Glasnevin Cemetery
Roger Casement, an Irish nationalist and former British diplomat, was executed in 1916 for his involvement in the Easter Rising. His remains were returned to Ireland in 1965 and reburied with full state honors in Glasnevin Cemetery, reflecting his status as a national hero.
1976 – “Special Category” status is removed from political prisoners in Northern Ireland
The British government removed “Special Category” status for paramilitary prisoners in Northern Ireland. Previously, those jailed for politically motivated crimes were treated as prisoners of war. The removal led to protests and, eventually, the hunger strikes of the early 1980s.
1981 – Bobby Sands begins his hunger strike
Bobby Sands, a member of the Provisional IRA, began a hunger strike in the Maze Prison to protest the British government’s treatment of Irish republican prisoners. His strike lasted 66 days before his death, sparking international outcry and increasing support for the republican cause.
1998 – President Mary McAleese defends holding an Orange Day reception
Mary McAleese, Ireland’s president at the time, defended her decision to host a reception marking Orange Day, a Protestant and unionist celebration. The event was seen as an attempt to bridge religious and political divisions in Northern Ireland but faced criticism from some nationalists.
1999 – Emergency landing at Shannon Airport
A Channel Express cargo plane suffered catastrophic propeller failure mid-flight but managed to land safely at Shannon Airport. The crew’s quick thinking and skillful handling of the aircraft prevented a major disaster, earning praise from aviation authorities.
2001 – Foot-and-mouth disease fears in Kerry
Concerns over a potential foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in County Kerry led to extensive testing on farms near Castleisland. Thankfully, results confirmed no cases, easing fears that the highly contagious livestock disease had spread to Ireland.
2003 – Dublin named one of the world’s safest cities
A global survey ranked Dublin as one of the safest cities in the world. The survey took into account crime rates, law enforcement efficiency, and public safety, highlighting the city’s strong security measures and relatively low crime levels.