Erskine Hamilton Childers, son of revolutionary and author Robert Erskine Childers and the future fourth president of Ireland, was born on this day in 1905. In 1922, at the age of sixteen, Childers's father was executed by the Irish Free State for charges of gun possession. After studying at University of Cambridge and Trinity College Cambridge, Childers was invited by Eamon de … [Read more...] about December 11, 1905
Today In History
November 28, 1905
Arthur Griffith founded the Irish political party Sinn Fein on this day in Dublin in 1905. At the first annual Convention of the National Council, Griffith outlined what he called the "Sinn Fein" policy. The policy planned "to establish in Ireland's capital a national legislature endowed with the moral authority of the Irish nation." At first, support and membership were not … [Read more...] about November 28, 1905
December 27, 1904
The Abbey Theatre opened on this day in 1904 with productions of Yeats' "On Baile's Strand" and "Cathleen ni Houlihan", as well as Lady Gregory's "Spreading the News." Founded by Yeats, Gregory and Edward Martyn, the Abbey Theater first began as the Irish Literary Theater in 1899. They performed shows in different venues like the already established Gaiety Theater, but moved to … [Read more...] about December 27, 1904
October 21, 1904
Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh was born in Co. Monaghan on this day in 1904. Kavanagh is perhaps most famous for his epic poem "The Great Hunger" which chronicles the desires of peasant farmer Patrick Maguire. Kavanagh is also well known for his poem "Raglan Road" which was eventually made into a song and set to the music "The Dawning of the Day" by Luke Kelly and The Dubliners. … [Read more...] about October 21, 1904
June 16, 1904
Historically known as Bloomsday, June 16, 1904 marks the day during which all of Joyce's Ulysses takes place. Joyce chose the date as a way to commemorate his first date with Nora Barnacle. "Bloomsday" was not established until 1954, on the 50th anniversary of the book's events. In Dublin, several people dress in costume and retrace Leopold Bloom's route through Dublin. … [Read more...] about June 16, 1904