On this day in 2008, 26-year-old Irish-American Danica Patrick became the first woman to win the Indy Japan 300. This made her the first female winner in IndyCar racing history. Just three years prior, she had made her Indy 500 debut in 2005, where she finished in fourth place. Only the fourth woman to compete in the Indy 500, she became the first woman ever to lead a lap (she … [Read more...] about April 20, 2008
Today In History
July 31, 2007
After 38 years of occupation in Northern Ireland, the British Army officially withdrew their forces at midnight on July 31, 2007. "Operation Banner," England's longest continuous military operation, saw 300,000 British soldiers stationed in Northern Ireland through out the 38 years. Operation Banner concluded on July 31st, with 762 English soldiers dead in the wake of the … [Read more...] about July 31, 2007
July 22, 2007
Golfer Padraig Harrington is the first Irish golfer to win the British Open in 60 years on July 22, 2007. Born in Ballyroan, Dublin, Harrington became interested in golf at a young age after being coached by Joseph McGinley and Mark Hynes. He had a successful amateur career and turned professional, joining the European tour in 1996 and the PGA tour in 2005. … [Read more...] about July 22, 2007
April 4, 2007
April 4 2007 marked a symbolic moment in relations between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Prior to a meeting at Farmleigh in Dublin, then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Ian Paisley shook hands. The handshake received much attention, especially because Paisley had previously publicly commented that he would not shake hands in … [Read more...] about April 4, 2007
March 29, 2007
On this day in 2007, U2 frontman Bono formally accepted an honorary knighthood. It was bestowed upon him by British Ambassador to Ireland David Reddaway at a ceremony in Dublin. Bono joked that his youngest son believed he was instead being made a Jedi, and was disappointed about the lack of light sabers at the event. The singer, whose real name is Paul Hewson, was awarded the … [Read more...] about March 29, 2007