Barry Yelverton introduced the bill that will become Yelverton's Act on this day in 1781. The bill was a modification to Poyning's Law, which was already in place, and stated that all laws passed by both houses of the Irish parliament should be forwarded to England to become law by royal assent. This took the power to amend laws away from the Irish privy councils. … [Read more...] about December 18, 1781
Today In History
December 13, 1779
The demand for the removal of restrictions on Irish free trade through out the colonies is satisfied on this day in 1779. After boycotting British goods and parading on College Green in Dublin in November, the Irish Volunteers, who had been armed and marched under a slogan of 'free trade or else' are granted their demands by the British government. … [Read more...] about December 13, 1779
March 4, 1778
Robert Emmet, one of Ireland's most famous revolutionaries, was born in Dublin on this day in 1778. Though he was born a wealthy Protestant, his family sympathized with the Irish Catholics and the American Revolution, and they became friendly with Irish nationalist revolutionaries. Emmet entered Trinity College, Dublin, at age fifteen, where he became involved with political … [Read more...] about March 4, 1778
July 4, 1776
The Declaration of Independence was famously signed on this day in 1776, marking the end of the American Revolution and forming a free nation. John Hancock's signature is perhaps the most famous, however there were several Irish born patriots who signed the declaration. George Taylor, Matthew Thornton and James Smith attended as delegates at the Constitutional Convention. … [Read more...] about July 4, 1776
August 6, 1775
Sometimes referred to as "The Liberator," Irish nationalist and politician Daniel O'Connell was born on this day in 1775 in Co. Kerry. O'Connell believed that in order to achieve freedom, Ireland would need to assert itself politically rather than by force. He condemned the several rebellions that took place at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. … [Read more...] about August 6, 1775