Paul "Bono" Hewson married his high school sweetheart Alison Stewart on this day in 1982. The two first met at Dublin's Mount Temple Comprehensive School and began dating in 1975. They were married at All Saints Church in Dublin. Bono has dedicated two songs to his wife, "The Sweetest Thing" and "All I Want is You." The couple has four children together. … [Read more...] about August 21, 1982
Today in History
July 18, 1981
What began as a peaceful protest of 10,000 people, in response to the British response to the Northern Ireland hunger strikes, eventually turned into a violent riot. In Dublin on July 18, 1981, at least 200 people were injured and hospitalized after about 500 protestors turned against a police force outside of the British Embassy. … [Read more...] about July 18, 1981
February 12, 1981
Lisa Hannigan, singer and songwriter, was born in Kilcloon, Co. Meath on February 12, 1981. She is most often associated with Damien Rice after being featured as the female vocalist on his breakthrough albums, O and 9. In 2005, the duo co-wrote the song "Unplayed Piano." They performed together from 2001 until March of 2007, when Rice announced that their professional … [Read more...] about February 12, 1981
October 27, 1980
The first hunger strikes of Irish republicans imprisoned at HM Prison Maze in Northern Ireland began on this day in 1980. Only seven were selected to take part in the hunger strike, to match the seven signatories of the 1916 Easter Rising Proclamation. The strikers were IRA members Brendan Hughes, Thomas McKearney, Raymond McCartney, Tom McFeeley, Sean McKenna, Leo Green and … [Read more...] about October 27, 1980
September 29, 1979
Pope John Paul II arrives in Dublin for the first ever papal visit to Ireland. His visit coincides with the feast of St. Michael, celebrated on September 29th. Pope John Paul II marched through Phoenix Park on this day, greeting over one million people, the largest gathering of Irish people ever. He made a speech, saying that like St. Patrick he had heard "the voice of the … [Read more...] about September 29, 1979