On April 3, 1900, the boat carrying Queen Victoria for her third-ever visit to Ireland – and her first since 1861 – set down anchor in Dublin Bay. Documents from the Irish Office of Public Works recently emerged and indicate that her ship went off course on its way to Ireland, resulting in a longer voyage. It was the time of her annual trip to France, but she had been advised … [Read more...] about April 3, 1900
Today In History
August 13, 1899
Alfred Hitchcock, film's master of suspense, was born on this day in 1899. Although commonly remembered for his British accent, Hitchcock was of both Irish and English descent. His mother was Irish born Emma Jane Whelan. His father's mother was also Irish. Hitchcock was educated at a Jesuit school and remained a devout Catholic through out his life. Hitchcock also adapted Irish … [Read more...] about August 13, 1899
May 18, 1897
Oscar Wilde was released from prison on this date; he went to France, where he wrote his poem, "The Ballad of Reading Gaol." He was born Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde on October, 16 1854, to William Wilde, an Irish doctor and Jane Francesca Elgee, who wrote revolutionary poems under the pseudonym "Speranza" for The Nation. After study at Trinity College, Dublin and … [Read more...] about May 18, 1897
July 5, 1896
Bill Doolin, famous western outlaw of Irish descent, escaped from jail on this day in 1896. Born in Arkansas, Doolin went west and worked several jobs as a cowboy on Oklahoma ranches. He eventually became a member of the Dalton gang, who attempted several robberies. In 1892, Doolin formed his own gang called the Wild Bunch, which became the most infamous outlaw group of the … [Read more...] about July 5, 1896
May 8, 1895
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was born Peter John Sheen in El Paso, Illinois, on this day in 1895. The Archbishop, who is often referred to as the first televangelist, was known for his preaching especially on radio. For 20 years he hosted The Catholic Hour on radio (1930-1950), which drew over four million listeners. In 1951 he moved to television presenting "Life is Worth … [Read more...] about May 8, 1895