Today in History

The United Nations was born in Washington, D.C. on this day in 1945. During a short ceremony, representatives from a total of 29 nations ratified the UN charter which declared that nations work together to uphold human rights and work together to overcome social, economic, humanitarian and political challenges. Formed in the wake of World War II, Ireland was at first denied … [Read more...] about October 24, 1945

World renowned Irish tenor John McCormack passed away on this day in Dublin in 1945. Born in Althone on June 14, 1884, McCormack became one of the most famous vocal artists of the early twentieth century. Songs like his, "I Hear You Calling Me" are still very famous. He studied in Dublin and Milan and his career reached its height in the U.S. where he became a household name. … [Read more...] about September 16, 1945

Van Morrison was born George Ivan Morrison to working class parents in Belfast on this day in 1945. Morrison spent much of his childhood listening to artists like Ray Charles, Lead Belly, and Solomon Burke. He attributes much of his career and success to these artists. He was heavily influenced by blues, jazz, R&B and folk music. He learned to play the guitar at only the … [Read more...] about August 31, 1945

On this day in 1944, Irish author and poet Eavan Boland was born in Dublin. Boland was educated at Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and Bowdoin College in Maine. She also attended the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa. Some of Boland's most famous works include "Against Love Poetry" and "In a Time of Violence," for which she was … [Read more...] about September 24, 1944

On this day in 1943, St. Joesph's Orphanage in Co. Cavan suffered a major tragedy. Thirty six people were lost in a fire, thirty five of whom were children. St. Joseph's was founded in 1861 by the Poor Clares, or the Order of Saint Clare. On the night of February 23, a fire began in the laundry house due to an electrical fault. No one noticed until about 2:00 am. People from … [Read more...] about February 23, 1943