#OTD in Irish History | 24 August:

In the Liturgical calendar it is the Feast Day of Abbán moccu Corbmaic, also Eibbán or Moabba, a saint in Irish tradition. He was associated, first and foremost, with Mag Arnaide (Moyarney or Adamstown, near New Ross, Co Wexford) and with Cell Abbáin (Killabban, Co Laois). His cult was, however, also connected to other churches […]

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The Kilnasaggart Pillar Stone

The Kilnasaggart Pillar Stone in Co Armagh is one of the oldest known inscribed stones in Ireland. Kilnasaggart stone stands in a field not far from Kilnasaggart Bridge. It is a tall pillar stone, 2 metres high, and inscribed with some Ogham script, crosses, most within circles, and a Gaelic inscription. The pillar-stone is said […]

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#OTD in Irish History | 19 May:

1660 – An Act by the British Parliament forbids the export of Irish wool. 1710 – John Forster is unanimously elected Speaker of the House of Commons, replacing Alan Brodrick. 1769 – Just ten years after Guinness is first brewed in St. James Gate, Dublin, the beautiful magic brew is first exported from Ireland. Six […]

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#OTD in 1898 – Birth of revolutionary and politician, Frank Aiken, in Co Armagh.

‘Neutrality is not like a simple mathematical formula which has only to be announced and demonstrated in order to be believed and respected. It has in fact always been one of the difficult problems …. Instead of earning the respect and goodwill of both belligerents it is regarded by both with hatred and contempt.’ –Frank […]

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#OTD in 1919 – Birth of Máire Drumm in Newry, Co Down.

‘The only people worthy of freedom are those who are prepared to go out and fight for it every day, and die if necessary.’ –Máire Drumm Máire Drumm was the vice president of Sinn Féin and a commander in Cumann na mBan. She was killed by Ulster loyalists while recovering from an eye operation in […]

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#OTD in 1932 – Birth of internationally celebrated Irish folk musician, artist, poet and storyteller, Tommy Makem, in Co Armagh.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Tommy Makem was an internationally celebrated Irish folk musician, artist, poet and storyteller. He was best known as a member of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. He played the long-necked 5-string banjo, guitar, tin whistle, and bagpipes, and sang in a distinctive baritone. He was known as […]

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#OTD in 1976 – Vice president of Sinn Féin and commander of Cumann na mBan, Máire Drumm, was assassinated by loyalists while recovering in Mater Hospital, Crumlin Road, Belfast.

‘The only people worthy of freedom are those who are prepared to go out and fight for it every day, and die if necessary.’ –Máire Drumm Máire Drumm was the vice president of Sinn Féin and a commander in Cumann na mBan. She was killed by Ulster loyalists while recovering from an eye operation in […]

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