The composer Arthur Sullivan was born in London to an Irish Italian mother, Mary Coughan and Irish-born father, Thomas Sullivan. Sullivan composed his first anthem at age 8. At age 14, he was awarded a scholarship to the London Academy of Music. Sullivan began a collaboration with W.S. Gilbert to create the comic opera "Thespis." He would work with Giblert on fourteen light … [Read more...] about May 13, 1842
January 6, 1839
What would become known as The Night of the Big Wind in Ireland. A hurricane force wind swept across Ireland killing hundreds and destroying thousands of homes, reached wind speeds of 115mph. It was Ireland’s greatest natural disaster leaving nearly 300 dead and thousands homeless. … [Read more...] about January 6, 1839
October 9, 1834
Ireland's first public railroad, the Dublin and Kingstown Railway, was opened on this day in 1834. After founding and laying the first tracks in 1831, a short delay occurred in the building due to opposition from some landowners, the laying of tracks over an embankment, and the creation of the Booterstown Marsh. The first train departed on October 9, consisting of eight cars … [Read more...] about October 9, 1834
April 22, 1834
On this day in 1834, Daniel O’Connell, the Irish political leader often referred to as “The Liberator” or “The Emancipator,” sparked a debate in the British House of Commons by calling for a repeal to the 1801 Act of Union. During a five-hour speech, O’Connell questioned the 2/17 tax that Britain had levied on Ireland, calling it a “fraction purposely introduced in order that … [Read more...] about April 22, 1834
February 22, 1832
On this day in 1832, in Glasnevin, Dublin, the first ever burial took place at Glasnevin Cemetery. Officially named Prospect Cemetery but rarely referred to as such, the cemetery was the first non-denominational burial ground in Ireland. Daniel O'Connell was among the voices that called for a space where anyone could bury their dead. This was especially important for Catholics, … [Read more...] about February 22, 1832