On this day in 1669, Oliver Plunkett became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. Plunkett was born in Co. Meath in 1629 and his education was entrusted to his uncle, Patrick Plunkett, Abbot of St. Mary's. He aspired to be a priest from a young age. Plunkett studied at the Irish College in Rome and was ordained a priest in 1654. Irish bishops chose Plunkett to act as … [Read more...] about November 14, 1669
November 30, 1667
On this day in 1667, Jonathan Swift was born in Dublin, Ireland. Swift made a successful career as a satirist, essayist, poet and clergyman. His most famous works include "Gulliver's Travels," "Drapier's Letters," "The Battle of the Books," and "A Modest Proposal," which satirical poked fun at the English approach to the Irish, claiming that impoverished Irishmen could … [Read more...] about November 30, 1667
March 21, 1656
Dublin-born cleric and scholar Archbishop James Ussher died on this day in 1656. His treatise on chronology--based on an intricate correlation of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean history, combined with Holy texts--was held in high regard for some time after his death. In his chronology, Ussher concluded that the first day of creation was Sunday, October 23, 4004 BC, and that … [Read more...] about March 21, 1656
December 16, 1653
Oliver Cromwell was made Lord Protector of Ireland on this date in 1653. Following the English Civil War, his victory in overthrowing the Stuart monarchy and the execution of King James I, English Parliament declared Cromwell "Lord Protector" in England's first attempt at a state ruled government. He held this position for five years (1653-58) of the eleven years in which … [Read more...] about December 16, 1653
November 13, 1643
James Butler, the 1st Duke of Ormond, was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland by King Charles I on this day in 1643. While leading the fight against the Irish Catholic Confederation during the Irish Confederate War, Butler commanded forces at the Battle of Kilrush and won. As Lord Lieutenant, he became the executive head of the Irish government. While in government, he … [Read more...] about November 13, 1643