On this day in 1921 following the Government of Ireland Act of 1920, the six Northeastern counties of Derry, Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone and Fermanagh were established as a separate entity, becoming Northern Ireland. It was intended that Northern Ireland and the remaining 26 counties of Southern Ireland would be ruled as two separate territories of the United Kingdom. In 1922 … [Read more...] about May 3, 1921
Today in History
August 10, 1920
James O'Neill, father of American playwright Eugene O'Neill, died on August 10 of 1920. With James's background in theater, it is evident that he provided Eugene with his first glance into the world of theater and playwriting. James O'Neill was born in Kilkenny and immigrated to Buffalo, NY. His most famous role in the theater was as the Count of Monte Cristo. James O'Neill is … [Read more...] about August 10, 1920
June 11, 1919
Actor Richard Todd, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Cpl. Lachlan McLachlan in 1949's The Hasty Heart, was born on June 11, 1919 in Dublin. After training for a military career, Todd changed his sights and enrolled at the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts in London. He first appeared in a production of Twelfth Night in 1936. Todd enlisted in the British … [Read more...] about June 11, 1919
February 3, 1919
On this day in 1919, Eamon de Valera escaped from Lincoln Prison in England. His escape was aided by fellow nationalists Harry Boland and Michael Collins. De Valera's escape entailed a copy of the key which fit the locks of the jail. He also dressed up as a woman. Several other Sinn Fein members who had been arrested along with him on May 17, 1918 for allegedly taking part in … [Read more...] about February 3, 1919
February 5, 1918
The first U.S. ship carrying American troops to Europe during the First World War is torpedoed and sunk on February 5, 1918 near the coast of Ireland. The SS Tuscania, originally a luxury liner which was converted to a troopship for the war, was bombed by a German U-Boat off the Northern coast of Ireland. The ship intended to enter the Irish Sea from the north, after several … [Read more...] about February 5, 1918