"A Soldier's Song" becomes the official National Anthem of Ireland on this day in 1933. Written by Peader Keaney and composed by Patrick Heeney in 1907, the song was first published in 1912 and quickly became very popular. It was used as a marching song by Irish Volunteers and the IRA during the Irish War of Independence. After the establishment of the Free State, "A Soldier's … [Read more...] about October 20, 1933
Today in History
October 26, 1932
Margaret Brown, or "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," survivor of the Titanic died in New York City on this day in 1932. Born Margaret Tobin in Missouri, she relocated to Colorado at the age of 18. She met J.J. Brown, also the child of Irish immigrants. The two married and acquired great wealth after J.J.'s engineering efforts helped Ibex Mining Company in the production of ore. … [Read more...] about October 26, 1932
August 2, 1932
Actor Peter O'Toole was born in Connemara on August 2nd, 1932. O'Toole, educated at the Royal Academy for the Dramatic Arts after being rejected from Dublin's Abbey Theater, first achieved stardom after landing the role of T.E. Lawrence in "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962). His performance in "Lawrence of Arabia" is considered by many to be one of the best performances in cinematic … [Read more...] about August 2, 1932
June 30, 1932
On this day, Eamon de Valera abolished the Oath of Allegiance, a provisional aspect in the Anglo-Irish treaty of 1921. This provisional aspect originally required all members of the Irish parliament to take an oath declaring their allegiance to the King. This date also marked when de Valera withheld land annuities from England. … [Read more...] about June 30, 1932
May 20, 1932
Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. She set off from Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, Canada, at 7 p.m.. She intended to fly to Paris but met with strong windy conditions and landed in a field in Culmore, near Derry, completing a 2,026-mile flight in just under 15 hours. The site is now home to the Amelia Earhart Museum. She held many flying … [Read more...] about May 20, 1932