Today In History

The men's tennis Wimbledon final on this day in 1984 is a showdown between two great Irish Americans, John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. McEnroe defeated Connors 6-1, 6-1, 6-2, giving him his 7th Grand Slam title and his 3rd Wimbledon win. … [Read more...] about July 8, 1984

On this day in 1983, thoroughbred stallion race horse Shergar, named Europe's Horse of the Year in 1981, was kidnapped from a farm in County Kildare. Shergar was owned by the Aga Khan and worth approximately $13.5 million. On the night of February 8th, armed men arrived at the home of James Fitzpatrick, one of Shergar's grooms. The kidnappers demanded Fitzpatrick lead them to … [Read more...] about February 8, 1983

Irish American actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly tragically died in a car accident on this day in 1982. The former actress, who got her first break in High Noon (1952), went on to star in such hits as Rear Window (1954) and Dial M for Murder (1954). She won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in The Country Girl (1954). Kelly reportedly suffered a stroke … [Read more...] about September 14, 1982

Paul "Bono" Hewson married his high school sweetheart Alison Stewart on this day in 1982. The two first met at Dublin's Mount Temple Comprehensive School and began dating in 1975. They were married at All Saints Church in Dublin. Bono has dedicated two songs to his wife, "The Sweetest Thing" and "All I Want is You." The couple has four children together. … [Read more...] about August 21, 1982

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