Today in History

Legendary actor and Oscar winner Gregory Peck died on this day in 2003. Peck, who's grandmother Catherine Ashe came from Dingle, studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York and debuted in his first Broadway show The Morning Star after graduation. His role in The Keys of the Kingdom in 1944 won him an Academy Award nomination. He became well known for his rugged screen … [Read more...] about June 12, 2003

Sinead O'Connor announced retirement from the music business for the second time on April 25, 2003. The provocative Irish singer rose to international fame in the late 1980s and early '90s. She was acclaimed for her unique sound and strong message, and also noted for her changeable relationship with the public. O'Connor's first retirement came in 1992, shortly after scandal … [Read more...] about April 25, 2003

In an effort to show solidarity and support for the United States just a year after the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, all Irish businesses, schools and shops came to a close at 1:46pm on this day in 2002. This time marked the exact moment, in Irish time, that the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. A year earlier, on the day of 9/11, … [Read more...] about September 11, 2002

Born Terence Alan Patrick Sean Milligan, "Spike" Milligan was a comedian and writer famous for "The Goon Show." Milligan was born in India and spent much of his childhood there, but eventually became an Irish citizen in 1962. He joined the British Army and served in World War II. During this time he wrote a full length comic novel called "Puckoon," which is an autobiographical … [Read more...] about February 27, 2002

On February 9, 2002, the Irish pound or punt ceased to be legal tender and was officially replaced by the euro. On January 1, 1999, the euro became the official currency in eurozone countries like Ireland, but the state did not began to withdraw the pound from national circulation until January 1, 2002. The withdrawal of the Irish pound was relatively slower than tender … [Read more...] about February 9, 2002