On this day in 1968, Aer Lingus flight 712 crashed into the sea near Tuskar Rock, County Wexford. All 61 passengers and crew were killed. A two year investigation proved unfruitful, and the official cause of the crash is still undetermined. Some still speculate that the plane was shot down by a British experimental missile, as Aberporth, in nearby West Wales, was at the time … [Read more...] about March 24, 1968
Today In History
January 29, 1967
The Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (or Cumann Chearta Sibhialta Thuaisceart Éireann) was founded on this day in in 1967. The organization was founded in order to champion for the rights of Irish Catholics in Northern Ireland during a time when teh heat of the troubles was rising. The orgaization throughout the late 60s protested, rallied and marched as part of their … [Read more...] about January 29, 1967
October 13, 1966
Irish American Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara declared on this day in 1966 that the Vietnam War was progressing satisfactorily. McNamara was born in California. His father's side was very Irish. He served as the eighth Secretary of Defense under both President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson. He played a large role in escalating the United States's … [Read more...] about October 13, 1966
May 21, 1966
The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) declared war on the IRA, issuing the following statement: “From this day, we declare war against the Irish Republican Army and its splinter groups. Known IRA men will be executed mercilessly and without hesitation. Less extreme measures will be taken against anyone sheltering or helping them, but if they persist in giving them aid, then more … [Read more...] about May 21, 1966
April 1, 1966
Brian O'Nolan, who under the pseudonym Flann O'Brien wrote At Swim Two Birds, died in Dublin on this day in 1966. A civil servant by profession, O'Nolan was widely known throughout Dublin as a character and satirist. Writing as O'Brien, he published The Third Policeman, The Dalkey Archive and At Swim Two Birds, which, though not as widely appreciated in O'Nolan's day, has come … [Read more...] about April 1, 1966