Today in History

On this day in 1903, Irish American writer Frank O'Connor was born in Cork, Ireland. In 1918, O'Connor joined the Irish Republican Army and helped fight in the war for independence. However, he opposed the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 and was imprisoned for being one of the Anti-Treaty combatants. After his release, O'Connor served briefly as a managing director at Dublin's Abbey … [Read more...] about September 17, 1903

Jimmy Kennedy, Irish songwriter famous for songs like "The Isle of Capri," was born in Omagh Co. Tyrone on July 20, 1902. Educated at Trinity College Dublin and trying a career in teaching and the military, Kennedy's music career took off after joining a music publishing company. Kennedy wrote over 2,000 songs and during his time, he had more hits in the US than any other Irish … [Read more...] about July 20, 1902

President William McKinley was shot in Buffalo, New York on this day in 1901. McKinley was born on January 29, 1843 to William and Nancy McKinley, who were of Scottish and Irish descent. After serving in the Civil War, McKinley opened up his own law practice and eventually became the Prosecuting Attorney of Stark County, Ohio. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives … [Read more...] about September 6, 1901

Denis Johnston, Irish playwright and protege of W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw, was born on this day in 1901. Johnston's first play, "The Old Lady Says No!" helped establish his career as a playwright. "The Moon in the Yellow River" (1931) is perhaps his most well known play. … [Read more...] about June 18, 1901

In an effort to regain the heavyweight boxing title, James J. Corbett, known as Gentleman Jim, was knocked out cold by James J. Jeffries in the 23rd round. Corbett, who was born in San Francisco, had won the title from John L. Sullivan in 1892 then lost it to the Cornish fighter Bob Fitzsimmons. Jeffries of Los Angeles defeated Fitzsimmons, thus setting the stage for what many … [Read more...] about May 11, 1900