What began as a peaceful protest of 10,000 people, in response to the British response to the Northern Ireland hunger strikes, eventually turned into a violent riot. In Dublin on July 18, 1981, at least 200 people were injured and hospitalized after about 500 protestors turned against a police force outside of the British Embassy. … [Read more...] about July 18, 1981
March 30, 1981
On this day in 1981, President Reagan was shot, only 69 days into the new administration. He--along with press secretary James Brady, Washington police officer Thomas Delahanty, and Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy--was struck when would-be assassin, John Hinckley Jr., opened fire outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. Secret Service agent Jerry Par's quick reflexes … [Read more...] about March 30, 1981
March 1, 1981
On this day in 1981, Bobby Sands began his hunger strike at Long Kesh prison, in protest of his and other IRA members' loss of Special Category Status within the prison. The SCS granted prisoner of war status to people convicted of Troubles-related offenses. It's loss meant imprisoned Irish Republicans would be considered criminals, and thus would be subject to standard … [Read more...] about March 1, 1981
February 12, 1981
Lisa Hannigan, singer and songwriter, was born in Kilcloon, Co. Meath on February 12, 1981. She is most often associated with Damien Rice after being featured as the female vocalist on his breakthrough albums, O and 9. In 2005, the duo co-wrote the song "Unplayed Piano." They performed together from 2001 until March of 2007, when Rice announced that their professional … [Read more...] about February 12, 1981
November 4, 1980
On this day in 1980, Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter in a landslide election. Reagan was born in Illinois on February 6, 1911. His father, Jack Reagan, was the grandson to Irish Catholic immigrants from Co. Tipperary. Reagan became successful in Hollywood, appearing in famous roles like George Gipp (earning him the lifelong nickname "The Gipper") in "Knute Rockne, All … [Read more...] about November 4, 1980