Jimmy Kennedy, Irish songwriter famous for songs like "The Isle of Capri," was born in Omagh Co. Tyrone on July 20, 1902. Educated at Trinity College Dublin and trying a career in teaching and the military, Kennedy's music career took off after joining a music publishing company. Kennedy wrote over 2,000 songs and during his time, he had more hits in the US than any other Irish … [Read more...] about July 20, 1902
April 2, 1902
W. B. Yeats' and Lady Gregory's play Cathleen ni Houlihan premiered on this day in 1902 at St. Theresa's on Clarendon Street in Dublin. Starring Maud Gonne in the title role, which represents a free and separate Ireland, the play promoted highly nationalistic sentiments and received a good reception. Once Yeats and Gregory had founded the National Theater at The Abbey, the play … [Read more...] about April 2, 1902
September 6, 1901
President William McKinley was shot in Buffalo, New York on this day in 1901. McKinley was born on January 29, 1843 to William and Nancy McKinley, who were of Scottish and Irish descent. After serving in the Civil War, McKinley opened up his own law practice and eventually became the Prosecuting Attorney of Stark County, Ohio. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives … [Read more...] about September 6, 1901
June 18, 1901
Denis Johnston, Irish playwright and protege of W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw, was born on this day in 1901. Johnston's first play, "The Old Lady Says No!" helped establish his career as a playwright. "The Moon in the Yellow River" (1931) is perhaps his most well known play. … [Read more...] about June 18, 1901
December 23, 1900
Irish film and television actor Noel Purcell was born in Dublin on this day in 1900. Purcell began his acting career at an early age, debuting on Dublin's Gaiety Theater stage at the age of 12. He also did vaudeville as a boy. He moved to film, acting in 1947's "Captain Boycott," and played a crew member on Ahab's ship in 1956's "Moby Dick." Purcell appeared in several British … [Read more...] about December 23, 1900