A Pittsburgh Steeler fan who also happened to be AOH 32 brother had 50 yard line tickets for the Super Bowl. As he sat down, a man comes down and asked the if anyone is sitting in the seat next to him.
"No", he said, "the seat is empty".
"This is incredible", said the man. "Who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the Super Bowl, the biggest sport event in the world, and not use it?"
Somberly, the Steeler fan says, "Well...the seat actually belongs to me. I was supposed to come here with my wife, but she passed away. This is the first Super Bowl we have not been to together since we got married in 1967."
"Oh I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't you find someone else - a friend or relative or even a neighbor to take the seat?"
The man shakes his head, "No. They're all at the funeral."
January 31 1800 - William Pitt, 'the younger', Prime Minister of Britain, advocates the union of Britain and Ireland 1864 - Birth of Matilda Knowles, botanist 1881 - Anna Parnell sets up the Committee of the Ladies' Land League in Dublin 1913 - The Ulster Volunteer Force is founded by the Unionist Council, posing a threat to the legitimate government 1953 - The Princess Victoria, a British Railways car ferry steamer, bound for Larne in Northern Ireland, sinks in the Irish Sea in one of the worst gales in living memory, claiming the lives of 128 passengers and crew. Among the passengers who perish are the Northern Ireland Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Major J. M. Sinclair, and Sir Walter Smiles, the Ulster Unionist MP for North Down 1998 - Two men are arrested as they transfer cannabis resin with an estimated valued of £5 million into a vehicle in a wooded area near Cahir, Co Tipperary 1999 - The end of an era in maritime history is reached as the high-tech world takes over from the old, manually-operated morse code radio services. For over 100 years, the dot-dash-dot system operated by radio officers served shipping well, but is now superseded by a state-of-the-art communications network. Marine Minister Michael Woods marks the historic occasion at at Valentia Coast Radio Station, Co. Kerry, as the use of Morse ends in this country, Belgium, Denmark and Iceland 1999 - Irish American business tycoon, Jay Michael Cashman splashes out a reported £250,000 to tie the knot with his film producer sweetheart, Christy Jean Scott, in a glittering ceremony in the 15th-century ruined Franciscan Abbey. It is the first wedding in the abbey in 500 years 2000 - Seventeen fishermen from a blazing Spanish trawler off the Clare coast are rescued by the Irish Coast Guard 2000 - President Bill Clinton and Northern Ireland peace envoy George Mitchell are among those nominated for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize 2003 - The coast guard remains on standby off the north-west coast for a major pollution incident as damage to the Panamanian-registered Princess Eva tanker, carrying 55,000 tonnes of oil, is assessed.
I'm sure Bruce Springsteen is going to put on a heck of a halftime show at this Sunday's Super Bowl, but I doubt he'll outperform the U2 lads from Dublin who nailed the best one ever!
January 30 1845 - Birth of Kitty O'Shea, mistress and later, the wife of Parnell 1859 - Edward Martyn, playwright, co-founder of Irish Literary Theatre, and Sinn Féin president, is born in Tulira, Co. Galway 1864 - The National Gallery of Ireland opens 1865 - Birth of John Hughes, sculptor, in Dublin 1900 - The Irish Party reunites ten years after it split 1920 - Tomás MacCurtain is elected Lord Mayor of Cork for Sinn Féin 1947 - Jim Larkin, Irish labor leader dies 1972 - In what is to become known as Bloody Sunday, the British Army kills 13 civil rights demonstrators in the Bogside district of Londonderry. A 14th marcher later dies of his injuries 1984 - Death of Luke Kelly, lead vocalist and 5-string banjo member of the Dubliners 1990 - Haughey resigns as Taoiseach 1998 - Relatives of those killed during the Bloody Sunday massacre in Derry's Bogside, gather to remember their dead. It is a ritual observed every year, but this year it is given extra poignancy by the announcement of a new inquiry into the killing of 14 unarmed civilians by the Parachute Regiment 1998 - Thousands participate in a united peace rally to protest at recent sectarian killings 1998 - Buried in the sand at Lahinch for almost 100 years, the ship-wrecked Elizabeth McClean emerges to allow a salvage operation to take its valuable cargo. The 58-foot schooner, laden down with Liscannor stone, sank off the Clare coast in 1904, bound for Glasgow 2000 - Three RUC officers are injured and another man is in serious condition after mobs attack them in Derry and Belfast 2002 - Figures released by the Central Statistics Office show that Dubliners have more money to spend than everyone else in Ireland with people in Laois, Offaly and Kerry having the least 2002 - Publicans warn Health Minister Micheál Martin not to proceed with a proposed ban on smoking in pubs after he announces changes to tough anti-tobacco laws, which will allow him to ban smoking in all or part of licensed premises 2003 - Vintners claim that next year's ban on smoking in pubs will be unworkable and accuse Health Minister Micheál Martin of overreacting.
20/20, the ABC TV newsmagazine, will air a segment they produced about Max and Will Graf, and their collective challenges as pre-tween little people. The boys are sons of our brother John Graf and his wife Suzanne. This national episode airs tonight (Friday, Jan. 30) at 10:00 p.m. on ABC (WTAE Channel 4 - or 8 on your cable dial) in Pittsburgh). Here is a link.
Thanks to everyone who represented the AOH in Washington D.C. for March of Life on January 22. It was great to see so many of our brothers made the trip for this worthy cause! As always, brother Pat Clark did a great job organizing the trip - THANKS PADRAIG!
January 29 1768 - Oliver Goldsmith's The Good-Natured Boy is first performed at London's Covent Garden 1794 - Archibald Hamilton Rowan, United Irishman, tried on charge of distributing seditious paper 1967 - The Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) is formed 1976 - Explosions rock London's West End. One person is injured. The IRA later takes responsibility 1998 - The British government bows to pressure and announces a new judicial inquiry into the killing of 14 unarmed civil rights marchers in Derry on January 30, 26 years ago 1998 - Former Taoiseach Jack Lynch is rushed to Accident and Emergency at the Meath Hospital, Dublin shortly before 10pm. His condition is described as not life-threatening 1999 - The future of the Apple computer plant in Cork is thrown into doubt with the news that up to 600 jobs are expected to be lost 1999 - One of the youngest members of the Church of Ireland, Rev. Canon William Paul Colton, is elected Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. He succeeds the Rt. Rev. Roy Warke 2001 - Ulster Unionist deputy leader John Taylor pulls out of the running for the next General Election 2002 - Rock superstars U2 battle to save their Dublin recording studios from being pulled to the ground. The millionaire musicians tell a hearing at the Gresham Hotel in Dublin that the musical heritage of their Hanover Quay site should be enough to save it from demolition.
Father Tom O’Donnell, A.O.H. Division One, Allegheny County Chaplain and Pennsylvania State Chaplain, was named Allegheny County Hibernian of the Year at the county board meeting Jan. 24.
In a few short weeks, Christians will once again be celebrating Ash Wednesday, which signals the beginning of the Lenten Season.
Pope Benedict XVI has told us: “Lent offers us the providential opportunity to deepen the meaning and value of our Christian lives, and it stimulates us to rediscover the mercy of God so that we in turn may become m9ore merciful to our brothers and sisters. In the Lenten period the Church makes it her duty to propose some specific tasks that accompany the faithful concretely in the process of interior renewal, these are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. ”
Our Holy Father is specifically telling us that the Corporal and Spiritual Works or Mercy should be the center of our penitential practice during the holy season of Lent. Penance should be not only inward but also outward and social, being directed towards works of mercy on behalf of our brothers and sisters.
In St. Matthew’s Gospel for Ash Wednesday, Our Lord tells us: “Give alms ... pray to your Father …Fast without a gloomy face …”
Giving alms, Jesus teaches, means making the needs of others our own, especially the needy of the world. The needy are all around us: children and the old, the sick, families and individuals, next-door neighbors and people in lands far away.
Jesus says that giving and looking out for those in need will make you live, and you will receive some blessing from God in return. And what shall we give? Some time, some of our talent, material resources. And almsgiving is not just for the rich. Poor or rich, ourselves.
In deciding, decide generously. After all we have the great example of Jesus: “He loved us, and gave himself up for us .”
We all have something to give. Whatever we give, though should be something of (word missing).
The spirit of Lent also calls us to pray. But prayer, Jesus teaches, is much more than the words: “Go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret.” Before you pray, enter the room of your heart. Shut the door to noise and the countless everyday cares grabbing for attention.
In the quiet of your heart and with your faith as a guide, speak to your God. A gracious Father listens and knows what you need. God helps us pray in this season. For those who have stopped praying or pray without fervor, God gives the grace for praying again.
Usually the grace comes as we turn to prayers and practices already there: the Celebration of Mass, reflective reading of the Bible, simple prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary and the Psalms, the Rosary of Our Blessed Mother.
As members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians we can find no greater way to fulfill our Lenten obligations than to continue to support and donate our time and gifts to the many Hibernian works of charity which have been the hallmark of our great society for many years.
Father Tom O’Donnell, A.O.H. Division One, Allegheny County Chaplain, Pennsylvania State Chaplain
The LAOH Division 23 will host a Valentine's Day Dance Saturday February 14, 2009 at the Lawrenceville Moose from 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. The cost is $15.00 per person. Beer, pop, food, DJ, set ups (BYOB) included. They are asking all members to bring a dessert or appetizer to the dance. There will be a Chinese (Irish) Auction, 50/50 and Basket of Cheer to raffle at the dance. Tell all your friends and family, it's a fun time! Tickets can be purchased at the door. Please come and show your support for LAOH Division 23. If you have any questions contact Adrienne at 412.784.3654.
January 28 1610 - The crown and the Irish Society of London, a consortium of city companies, agree to carry out the plantation of Derry (hence Londonderry), Coleraine and part of Tyrone 1635 - The City of London and the Irish Society of London are found guilty of mismanagement and neglect of Derry/Londonderry plantation; they are sentenced to a fine of £70,000 and forfeiture of Derry/Londonderry property 1742 - Clotworthy Skeffington, 2nd Earl of Massereene, is born in Co. Antrim 1786 - By charter, the Irish Academy becomes the Royal Irish Academy 1807 - Birth in Co. Wexford of Sir Robert McClure, polar explorer and discoverer of the North-West Passage 1818 - The Iberno-Celtic Society is founded to preserve and publish the best ancient Irish literature 1852 - Louis Brennan, inventor, is born in Castlebar, Co. Mayo 1892 - Birth in Limerick of David Mary Tidmarsh , WWI Ace 1873 - Patrick Malley is killed by his son William Malley at Calla, a remote district of Errismore Co. Galway. J.M. Synge based his story The Playboy Of The Western World on the tragedy 1877 - George Fitzmaurice, Irish Renaissance playwright, is born 1939 - Death of William Butler Yeats 1941 - The Emergency Powers Act provides for the censorship of press messages to places outside the Free State 1941 - Birth of Fublin artist, George Potter 1967 - Helena Moloney, republican and trade unionist, dies in Dublin. 1981 - Daniel O’Donnell makes his first professional appearance, at a club in Thurles as part of his sister Margo’s band 1993 - The IRA bombs Harrods for the third time in 20 years. Four people are injured 2000 - Death of well known Irish actor, Tony Doyle, star of popular programmes such as Ballykissangel and The Riordans 2000 - Nobel Peace laureate, John Hume, issues a plea to the IRA for a last minute gesture on decommissioning to ensure the Northern Ireland peace process does not founder 2001 - Mighty Munster moves a step closer to Heineken European Cup rugby glory when they defeat Biarritz 38 29 in the quarter final Photo credit: Des Barry 2002 - Winds of up to 90mph leave 3,000 homes in the west and north-west without power supply for several hours 2003 - It is announced that actor Peter O’Toole, nominated seven times for an Oscar for his work in films as diverse as the historical epic Lawrence of Arabia and the nostalgic comedy My Favourite Year, will receive an honorary Academy Award at this year’s Oscar ceremonies. 2007 - Sinn Féin ardfheis votes overwhelmingly in favour of a leadership motion expressing support for the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Speaking moments after the vote is taken, party President Gerry Adams describes the decision as "truly historic" and says the potential had been created to change the political landscape of the island "forever."
January 27 1885 - Charles Stewart Parnell turns the first sod for the West Clare Railway 1944 - Birth of Mairead Corrigan-Maguire, founder of NI Peace Movement 1975 - Mother Mary Martin, founder of the Medical Missionaries of Mary, dies in Drogheda 1999 - The peace process and the IRA ceasefire are thrown into chaos following the mysterious death of ex-Provo killer turned supergrass Eamon Collins 2000 - Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams indicates that the IRA will not deliver arms ahead of the Ulster Unionists’ February deadline.
Irish Festival Cruise aboard Celebrity Cruise Line’s ‘Summit’ sailing the Southern Caribbean. Entertainment with Cherish The Ladies, The Black Brothers, Johnny McEvoy, Tommy Sands, Liam Tiernan, The Matt Cunningham Band, Don Stiffe, Donny Golden, Dan Stacy, and Maura O’Connell. 1.800.441.HARP.
Sunday, February 1
Echoes of Erin’s 21st Anniversary – The Ireland Report with Patricia Sharkey, Editor of the Donegal News Letter, http://www.dun-na-ngall.com/. Echoes of Erin begins 21st year broadcasting on WEDO.
Super Bowl Party at Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., in The Strip @ 4:30PM Pre-Game Buffet; Reservations 412.642.6622.
Wednesday, February 4
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie features Potter’s Reel 7:00 PM.
Thursday, February 5
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., 412.642.6622, in The Strip features Ballad Singer Mike Gallagher, 8:30 PM.
Friday, February 6
The Pittsburgh Ceili Club will host a ‘Workshop & Ceili’ at the Morningside VFW, 1820 Morningside Avenue in Morningside. Workshop, 7:00 PM, Ceili, 8:00 PM. Information: Bob Kaniecki, 412.486.2684.
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie features Mark Guiser on Vocals & Guitar, 9:00 PM.
Saturday, February 7
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., 412.642.6622, in The Strip features Mark Guiser on Vocals & Guitar at 9:00 PM.
Echoes of Erin on WEDO 810AM at 1:00 PM. The Ireland Report with Ann Bray from Dublin. Guests in studio Dan Devinney & Jim Green, AOH County Board talking about the Cash Bash.
Monday, February 9
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie features an Acoustic Jam 7:00 PM.
Wednesday, February 11
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412.279.0770, features Potters Reel 7:00 PM.
Friday, February 13
The Great Guinness Toast takes place at:Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., 412.642.6622, in The Strip, Entertainment at 9:00 PM, Toast at 11:00 PM.
AOH St. Patrick Division 4, North Hills will host their 250 Club Banquet at the West View Fire Hall. Information email Robert Parry.
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., 412.642.6622, in The Strip features The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival from 6:30PM.
All Ireland Social at the American Legion Hall, 5857 Forbes Ave. in Squirrel Hill, 8:00 PM. Music with CCE Musicians. Information: Ray Connolly at 412.373.7252.
Knights of Equity will sponsor a Valentine / Doo Wop Dance with a DJ, Party, snacks and beverages at the new Club Rooms, 1248 Evergreen Road, Millvale. Donation $15. Information, John Webber, WSK, 412.758.5446.
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, 412.279.0770, Carnegie, features Sean McClorey at 9:00 PM.
Beginning Wednesday, February 18
A Course on ‘Names – Their Origin and Meaning’, at CCAC, Downtown Campus, 625 Stanwix Street each Wednesday for 6-weeks. Dates: February 18 & 25, March 4, 11, 18, & 25 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Tuition $69. To register: 412.391.1210.
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie features Potters Reel 7:00 PM.
Beginning Thursday, February 19
The Window to Ireland Culture Course takes place at CCAC, Downtown Campus, 625 Stanwix Street each Thursday for 6-weeks. Dates: February 19 & 26, March 5, 12, 19 & 26. Course Instructor is John Webber – to register: 412.391.1210, Tuition $69. Or John Webber – 412.758.5446.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Fundraiser at Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 7:00 PM. Cultural Baskets, Raffles and Entertainment.
Friday, February 20
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie features Mark Guiser on Vocals & Guitar, 9:00 PM.
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., 412-642-6622, in The Strip features Corned Beef & Curry, 9:00 PM.
Saturday, February 21
AOH County Board presents a ‘Cash Bash’ at the West View Fire Hall. Information email Dan Devinney.
The Rivermen ‘Irish Pub Night’ Upstairs at the ‘Duke’s Club Room’, 122 8th Ave., Homestead, 7:00 PM, $5.00 Cover, Reservations accepted: 412.461.3406.
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., 412.642.6622, in The Strip features Celtic Rock with Red Hand Paddy 9:00 PM.
Gaelic Arts Society of Pittsburgh will sponsor a program on the life and career of Bing Crosby, presented by Kenneth Gray. The movie “The Top of the Morin’” will be shown. 412.761.1844.
Monday, February 23
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie features an Acoustic Jam Session, 7:00 PM.
Tuesday, February 24
The Wolfe Tones in Concert at Finnegan’s Wake, 20 General Robinson St. on the North Shore, 7:00 PM. Tickets $25, Pittsburgh Celtics GFC, c/o 1203 Woodbourne Ave., Pgh. PA 15226; call David Vance 412.708.8827.
Wednesday, February 25
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie features Potters Reel, 7:00 PM.
Friday through Sunday, February 27 – March 1
AOH Allegheny County Board sponsors their Annual Retreat at St. Paul’s Retreat Center on the Southside. Retreat begins with Mass at 5:30pm on Friday and ends with Mass on Sunday at 11:00am. All Hibernian men, male family members and friends are welcome. Information: Larry Squired, 412.760.2600 or contact St. Paul’s directly at 412.381.7676.
Friday & Saturday, February 27 & 28
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., 412.642.6622, in The Strip features Ceann from 9:00 PM both nights.
Friday, February 27
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie features Ballad Singer, Sean McClorey 9:00 PM.
Saturday, February 28
Irish Fest 2009 at St. Teresa of Avila, Mass – 6:00 PM, Irish Dinner – 7:15PM, Entertainment with Guaranteed Irish and Bell School of Irish Dance. Raffles & Door Prizes, Tickets 412.367.9001 or Bud Burke (AOH Div. 4 412.366.6720).
Pittsburgh Irish Rowing Club 25th Anniversary Party at The Irish Centre of Pittsburgh, 6886 Forward Ave., Squirrel Hill. Information: Patrick Clark 412.761.3897.
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie features Mark Guiser on Vocals & Guitar, 9:00 PM.
This day in Irish History the following occcurred:
January 26 1316 - At the battle of Ardscull, Co. Kildare, Edward the Bruce defeats the army of Justiciar Edmund Butler. The Scottish dead are buried in the graveyard attached to the Dominican Priory in Athy which occupies the area on the east bank of the River Barrow. Among those buried are two Scottish chiefs, Lord Fergus Andressan and Lord Walter de Morrey 1699 - The second session of William III's second Irish parliament ends on this date 1716 - Birth of Lord George Sackville (-Germain), soldier, politician and MP for Portarlington 1799 - Thomas Charles Wright, officer in Bolivar's army and founder of the Ecuadorian naval school, is born in Drogheda, Co. Louth 1871 - Sir Arthur du Cros, pioneer of pneumatic tyre industry, is born in Dublin 1904 - Birth of Seán MacBride, IRA leader, politician, head of Amnesty International, and recipient of Nobel and Lenin peace prizes 1907 - Synge's Playboy of the Western World is performed for the first time at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin; the audience riots because of the bad language and negative perspective on Irish peasant life 1998 - Fears of a backlash heighten in the North due to the removal from the peace talks of the Ulster Democratic Party because of the recent spate of sectarian murders 1998 - The trial of a Dublin man accused of the murder of journalist, Veronica Guerin, is adjourned until June by the Special Criminal Court 1999 - Irish swimming takes its first step towards a fresh beginning following a series of child sex abuse scandals with the creation of a new identity, Swim Ireland 2000 - Tánaiste Mary Harney announces that the new minimum pay rate of £4.40 per hour will apply from April 1 2000 - Amid reports that Britain is drawing up emergency legislation to re-impose direct rule on Northern Ireland, the IRA faces renewed pressure to start decommissioning its arsenal 2000 - Supporters of ancient herbal remedies stage a wake in Dublin mourning the death of the free availability of the herb St John’s Wort, which can now only be obtained on prescription 2001 - Motorists crossing Dublin’s East and West Links will have to pay an extra 20p following a VAT hike 2001 - AN Bord Pleanála gives the go ahead for a £35 million leisure, residential and shopping development in Limerick. Sources: Irish Culture and Customs, The Celtic League, Irish Abroad, The Wild Geese
Hey Folks, If anyone has 4 seats for the Super Bowl in Tampa, I am interested. Call me at (412) 613-3500 or drop an e -mail reply to me at Kevin.A.ODonnell@comcast.net. Thanks, Kevin O'Donnell, Allegheny County Organizer
Two Irishmen met and one said to the other, "Have ye seen Mulligan lately, Pat?" Pat said, "Well, I have and I haven't." His friend asked, "well what d'ye mean by that?" Pat said, "It's like this, y'see...I saw a chap who I thought was Mulligan, and he saw a chap that he thought was me. And when we got up to one another...it was neither of us."
January 25 1356 - The 1st Earl of Desmond dies; Kildare is his replacement as justiciar 1627 - Robert Boyle, physicist, chemist and alchemist, is born in Lismore, Co. Waterford 1777 - The Earl of Buckinghamshire, who eventually conceded free trade and some relief from the Penal Laws to Catholics and Dissenters, is sworn in as lord lieutenant 1831 - Edmund Hogan, Jesuit and scholar, is born in Cork 1924 - Charles McCarthy, trade unionist, is born in Cork 1924 - Tomás Mac Giolla, republican and socialist, and later, Workers' Party leader, is born near Nenagh, Co. Tipperary 1998 - The Irish Seaspray plant in Lettermore, Co. Galway is extensively damaged after two explosions rip through the facility and start a major fire 1999 - The Government descends into chaos over allegations that European Commissioner Pádraig Flynn received a donation of £50,000 ten years ago and that the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, knew about it 1999 - Ireland's first day centre for refugees is opened in Dublin by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern 2001 - The new Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr. John Reid, pledges to carry forward the Good Friday Agreement 2001 - Thousands gather in Ballinamallard, Co. Fermanagh for the funerals of rally champion Bertie Fisher and two of his children, Emma, and Mark - also a renowned driver.
January 24 1851 - Charles Plummer, Irish language scholar and editor of Lives of the Irish Saints, is born 1920 - Death of Percy French, writer of many popular Irish songs, including the Mountains of Mourne 1921 - Patrick Scott, artist, is born in Kilbrittain, Co. Cork 1933 - Fianna Fáil wins a general election 1969 - Brian Faulkner resigns from his position as Prime Minister Terence O'Neill's minister of commerce, furthering the split in the Unionist party 1973 - Death of piper and folklorist, Willie Clancy 1974 - The official Unionist Party is founded 1978 - Eddie Gallagher and Dr. Rose Dugdale, both jailed for their part in the kidnap of Tiede Herrema, are married in Limerick prison 1998 - In west Belfast, Loyalists kill taxi driver, John McColgan by shooting him in the back of the head. It is the sixth sectarian murder in a week 1999 - After months of negotiations and two special delegate conferences, Democratic Left merges with the Labour Party 2000 - Tánaiste Mary Harney warns the IRA to begin decommissioning or run the risk of derailing the Northern peace process 2001 - Government sources say the resignation of Northern Secretary Peter Mandelson is not a major setback to the peace process 2002 - Irish doctors are among the worst-paid in Europe and charge less than they need to run a viable business, according to the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO).
At this point we have more than enough to fill one busfor The Girardville St. Patrick's Parade on March 21returning March 22.
Looking into a second bus. We are looking to see if more are interested in making the trip. $50 per person plus your one-night motel stay. Please let me know ASAP if interested.
January 23 1774 - Dudley Cosby (Baron Sydney), former MP for Carrick, commits suicide: 'Our domestic news is first the death of Lord Sydney occasioned by a dose of Danish poison. His lordship to render himself agreeable to his lady upon their marriage stopped two issues he had in his thighs but found no ill effects until the 13th inst. when, after a night of great exercise by dancing, his temper and reason as appears since, was in some sort affected; however, not so much as to make those about him immediately suspect it or the consequence. He complained of indisposition and sent for a physician. He republished his will leaving his estate to Capt. Cosby of the Navy and added a codicil leaving the jewels he bought for his wife (whom in his delirium he was jealous of) and the family china to his sister Lady Farnham, after which being disappointed in an attempt to shoot himself and one to poison himself, he took on (this date) the dose which was sufficiently strong to carry him off in a few hours' 1803 - Arthur Guinness, founder of the Dublin brewery, dies 1881 - William O'Brien, trade unionist and Labour politician, is born near Clonakilty, Co. Cork 1898 - The United Irish League, a nationalist electoral organization, is founded by William O'Brien 1999 - Two blast bomb attacks target Catholic homes in the seaport town of Larne, Co Antrim 2000 - A historic show of Christian unity takes place as the Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley, appeals to parishioners at Cork Masses to make contributions to a multi million pound restoration programme of a Protestant cathedral in Cork city centre 2000 - Five grey Seals are released into the sea at Cullenstown Strand, Co. Wexford. The seals had been kept in the seal sanctuary in Co. Dublin while recovering from injuries. This the largest amount of seals to be released at one time 2000 - More than 20,000 people gather on the streets of West Belfast in memory of IRA teenager, Tom Williams, who was hanged in 1942 for his part in the murder of an RUC man 2001 - Irish airport charges are among the cheapest in the world, the latest independent study of the sector has found 2001 - It is announced that the State is in negotiation with a private landowner to purchase the internationally renowned Poulnabrone dolmen in the Burren, Co. Clare 2003 - The Irish and British governments agree to plans for an all-out push to restore the North’s power-sharing Executive.
January 22 1761 - Birth of Henry Welbore Agar (Ellis), 2nd Viscount Clifden, perhaps the only person to sit consecutively in four different Houses of Parliament - the two in Ireland and the two in England 1856 - Alfred Godley, classical scholar and writer, is born in Ashfield, Co. Cavan 1901 - Queen Victoria dies; Edward VII accedes to the throne 1913 - Cardinal William Conway, Primate of All Ireland from 1963-1977, is born 1925 - Raymond Crotty, radical economist, is born in Co. Kilkenny 1967 - Eleanor McEvoy, musician, singer and songwriter, is born in Dublin 1972 - Éamon Broy, agent for Michael Collins, and later Commissioner of the Garda Síochána, passes away 1972 - The Republic of Ireland signs a treaty of accession to the European Economic Community 1997 - Death of Lilly Kempson, aged 99, the last surviving participant in the Easter Rising 1998 - It is announced that up to 1 million ounces of high grade gold have been discovered in a mine in Co. Monaghan that will result in the country's biggest ever gold mine going into production in two years time 1999 - Pop concerts can be held at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, without the need for planning permission, the Supreme Court decides in a unanimous decision 2002 - It is announced that one of the British Army's main bases in Northern Ireland is to close and its 500 soldiers moved back to Britain. Ebrington barracks in the Waterside area of Londonderry is expected to be cleared by the end of next year 2003 - Amid much fanfare and brouhaha, quads Kelly, Katie, Shannon and Amy Murphy return to Cork’s Erinville Maternity Hospital for their first birthday celebration
January 21 1600 - Charles Blount, 8th Lord Mountjoy, becomes Lord Deputy of Ireland 1684 - Chidley Coote, future MP for Kilmallock, is granted £500 for the upkeep of six lighthouses 1793 - Louis XVI is executed in Paris; he is attended by an Irish priest, Fr. Edgeworth. Lord Edward FitzGerald is the only member of the Irish parliament not to appear in mourning following the execution 1861 - Katherine Tynan, poet, novelist and journalist, is born 1876 - James Larkin, organizer of Irish Transport and General Workers' Union and socialist politician, is born in Liverpool 1919- Daíl Éireann, chaired by Sean T. O’Kelly meets for the very first time at Mansion House in Dublin 1919 - Two members of Royal Irish Constabulary are shot dead by Irish Volunteers including Seán Treacy and Dan Breen in an ambush at Soloheadbeg, Co. Tipperary: this is regarded as the first incident in the 'War of Independence' (Anglo-Irish War). Attacks on policemen continue for the rest of the year 1998 - A controversialL deal is agreed by the British and Irish governments to transfer the IRA gang which carried out the Guildford and Woolwich bombings to Portlaoise prison 1998 - The North is plunged into a new crisis after Benedict Hughes, a Catholic, is shot dead in south Belfast in the latest murder aimed at wrecking the peace process 1998 - The IRA dramatically rejects the Anglo-Irish Stormont settlement plan 2002 - Sinn Féin MPs will never sit in the British parliament, Gerry Adams vows as they move into Commons offices for the first time. Party policy is also changed to allow MPs to sit in the Dáil.
January 20 1621 - Patents are granted for plantations in parts of Leitrim, King's County, Queen's County and Westmeath 1841 - James Armour, Presbyterian minister and political activist is born in Ballymoney, Co. Antrim 1902 - Kevin Barry, medical student and nationalist revolutionary, is born in Dublin 1902 - In the House of Commons, John Redmond criticizes the use of concentration camps by the British in South Africa 1916 - Secret negotiations result in alliance of the Irish Citizen Army with the Irish Republican Brotherhood 1961 - John F. Kennedy is inaugurated as president of the United States of America, becoming the first Irish Catholic to be elected to that office 1968 - Birth of Charlie Swan, jockey 1973 - Whiskey In The Jar by Thin Lizzy enters the British charts 1998 - Hope remain high that the IRA ceasefire will hold despite escalating violence in the North and Sinn Féin's implacable opposition to the Anglo-Irish blueprint 1999 - The Loyalist Volunteer Force announces plans for a second round of arms decommissioning which could include the handover of explosives 1999 - One of the world's biggest software piracy investigations identifies over 6,000 Internet sites in Ireland copying and promoting illegal software 2000 - According to a major international survey, Ireland is one of the least corrupt countries in the industrial world 2002 - Rioting erupts on the streets of north Belfast as angry mobs throw petrol bombs and blast bombs at police.
On Saturday, Feb. 14, St. Therese Parish in Munhall, Pa., will host the first annual Cupid’s Cash Giveaway to support Fr. Dan’s Appalachia Project.
Many of you who attended the Mardi Gras or Night at the Races at Epiphany, near Mellon Arena, will be familiar with the format of the event, as well as the charitable works it supports, since it’s the same Fr. Dan Sweeny who organized the events at Epiphany.
In July, Fr. Dan’s Appalachia Project will build 18 homes for poverty-stricken families in the Appalachia region of Kentucky.
Only 180 tickets will be sold for this event.
Each $100 ticket provides the following for a couple:
1.) Doors open with Hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m.
2.) Buffet dinner with Chicken Marsala, Dressed Salmon, Roast Beef, Roasted Potatoes, Vegetables, Penna Pasta, Salad and Dessert.
3.) Open Bar.
4.) Ticket Numbers pulled at regular intervals. a. ) $100 cash prize for every 10th ticket pulled. b.) Last number pulled wins $10,000.00.
1739 - Birth of Arthur Wolfe, 1st Viscount Kilwarden and Lord Chief Justice in Forenaghts, Co. Kildare 1787 - Birth in Cork of Mary Aikenhead, founder of the Irish Sisters of Charity and St. Vincent’s Hospital Dublin 1793 - Hugh Cane, MP for Tallow, dies from a fall down stairs 1920 - IRA attacks Drombrane barracks, Co. Tipperary 1949 - Dennis Taylor, snooker player and world champion in 1985, is born in Coalisland, Co. Tyrone 1963 - Playwright Teresa Deevy dies 1964 - Birth of Richard Dunwoody, jockey, in Comber, Co. Down 1983 - The Minister for Justice, Michael Noonan, reveals that the previous Fianna Fáil administration was involved in tapping the phones of Journalists Geraldine Kennedy and Bruce Arnold 1985 - Death of Dublin-born actor Wilfrid Brambell, aka Old man Steptoe 1988 - Dublin writer Christopher Nolan, who cannot move or speak because of an accident at birth, wins the Whitbread Book of the Year 1998 - The Northern peace process are close to collapse after a 52-year-old Catholic taxi driver is killed in an attack which bears all the hallmarks of the UDA/UFA 2003 - Disgraced celebrity chef Tim Allen moves to protect his multi-million euro family business, announcing he is ceasing all connection with the Ballymaloe Cookery School and hotel.
An Irish man walks into a pub. The bartender asks him, "what'll you have?" The man says, "Give me three pints of Guinness please."
So the bartender brings him three pints and the man proceeds to alternately sip one, then the other, then the third until they're gone. He then orders three more.
The bartender says, "Sir, I know you like them cold. You don't have to order three at a time. I can keep an eye on it and when you get low I'll bring you a fresh cold one."
The man says, "You don't understand. I have two brothers, one in Australia and one in the States. We made a vow to each other that every Saturday night we'd still drink together. So right now, my brothers have three Guinness Stouts too, and we're drinking together. The bartender thought that was a wonderful tradition.
Every week the man came in and ordered three beers. Then one week he came in and ordered only two. He drank them and then ordered two more.
The bartender said to him, "I know what your tradition is, and I'd just like to say that I'm sorry that one of your brothers died."
The man said, "Oh, me brothers are fine----I just quit drinking."
January 18 1667 - Cattle exports to England are prohibited 1671 - Catholic gentry present petition to Charles II 1779 - Cement Patent No. 1207 is issued to Sligo-man Bryan Higgins 1811 - Charles Kean, actor, is born in Waterford 1831 - Daniel O’Connell is convicted of conspiracy 1913 - The Irish Transport and General Workers' Union strike ends 1928 - Birth of Daniel Bradley, physicist 1930 - Breandán Ó hEithir, writer and broadcaster, is born in Cill Rónáin, Aran Islands 1934 - Joseph Devlin, Irish nationalist dies 1937 - Birth of John Hume, nationalist politician, in Derry/Londonderry 1997 - Death of Gerard Slevin, the Corkman who designed the EU flag 1998 - The fourth revenge killing of a Catholic by LVF murder squads since ruthless warlord Billy Wright was gunned down, is committed in Maghera, Co. Derry 2000 - The improvement in the hospitality scene in Ireland is proven by the addition of 54 hotels and 27 restaurants to the prestigious Michelin Guide 2001 - The right of Travellers to pursue their traditional lifestyle on their own land was yesterday rejected by the European Court of Human Rights 2002 - Taoiseach Bertie Ahern pays tribute to the former Fianna Fáil TD, Jim Tunney, who died yesterday. Mr Tunney, was a former minister of state and deputy in Dublin North-West for two decades. He also served a term as Lord Mayor of Dublin and was co-chairman of the British-Irish inter-parliamentary body. A stylish dresser, he always wore a flower in his lapel and was called the Yellow Rose of Finglas by friends and colleagues. He was 78 2002 - Political history is made today as the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition becomes the longest-serving government in the State. After taking office on June 26, 1997, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's minority government is serving its 1,666th day in office.
While tossing back a few pints at Paddy's Pour House in Carnegie, PA the other night, a lad asked me, "How many shades of green are there?" After saying, "Who cares," I thought I'd look it up.
January 17 1649 - Marquis of Ormond James Butler and the confederates sign a peace treaty which grants toleration for Catholics in exchange for troops 1815 - Marie-Louise O'Morphi, famous courtesan, dies in Paris 1856 - Joseph Hayden, Irish journalist, dictionary compiler and author of Dictionary of Dates, dies 1860 - Birth in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, of Douglas Hyde, playwright, folklorist, founder of The Gaelic League and the first president of Éire 1861 - Lola Montez (Marie Gilbert), dancer and courtesan dies in New York 1866 - Death of George Petrie, folk music collector who is credited with preserving many of Ireland’s irreplaceable harp tunes 1873 - T.C. Murray, playwright, is born in Macroom, Co. Cork 1964 - The Campaign for Social Justice (CSJ) is formed. It is the forerunner of the civil rights movement and begins a programme of publicising what it sees as widespread discrimination, in a number of areas of life, against Catholics in Northern Ireland 1992 - Seven Protestant constructions workers at a security base in Co. Tyrone are killed by an IRA bomb. The driver of their bus also dies 2000 - Galway city centre is brought to a standstill as hundreds of student nurses take to the streets to protest at plans to charge them to finish their nursing courses 2000 - A pair of King Billy’s gloves, worn during the battle of the Boyne, and the dress worn by Sinéad de Valera at the second inauguration ceremony of her husband, President Éamon de Valera, are unlikely companions in The Way We Wore, a permanent exhibition of the clothing and jewellery worn by Irish people from the1760s to the 1960s which opens at the National Museum, Collins Barracks.
January 16 1700 - Richard Levinge, an Irish MP and later a prominent Tory, is committed by the English House of Commons to the Tower of London until 11 April for speaking ill of his fellow Commissioners of Forfeited Estates 1707 - Robert Allen, a future MP, elopes with the daughter of Robert Johnson MP: Johnson writes to Ormonde on 16 January that Allen 'has stolen a marriage with my daughter; no consent or acquainting of him with me. I fancy they will find they have two very difficult fathers to persuade to part with anything to either of them.' In 1730 Allen will be satirized viciously by Jonathan Swift 1816 - Frances Browne, writer, is born in Stranorlar, Co. Donegal 1822 - Thomas Clark Luby, co-founder of the Fenian Brotherhood, is born 1900 - Frank Devlin, badminton player, is born in Dublin 1904 - In reaction to attacks on Jews in Limerick, Michael Davitt, a leader of the Irish Land League, protests "as an Irishman and a Catholic against this spirit of barbarous malignity" 1913 - Home Rule bill passes in the House of Commons 1920 - Percy French gives his last concert in Glasgow. He dies in Liverpool eight days later 1922 - Michael Collins takes over control of Dublin Castle from the British authorities on behalf of the new Irish state 1935 - Gobnaitt NiBhruadair (Albinia Broderick), Irish republican activist, dies 1981 - Northern Ireland civil rights campaigner and former Westminster MP, Bernadette McAliskey, is shot by gunmen who burst into her home at Coalisland in County Tyrone 2000 - For his adaptations of the work of William Shakespeare, Belfast born actor and director Kenneth Branagh becomes the youngest winner of the Gielgud award 2001 - Hough’s Pub in Lorrha, Co Tipperary retains the title of "The Cheapest Pint" in Ireland. Earning the respect of drinkers everywhere, Pat Hough won’t be raising the price of a pint of plain above £1.50 2002 - Richard Haass, US President George Bush's special adviser on Northern Ireland, urges Sinn Féin to drop its objections to the new Police Board 2002 - Joe White of Rathmire, Co. Kerry becomes one of the oldest people in the country to pass the driving test. He began driving in Ireland more than 60 years ago, went to the USA and returned last year to find his Irish license had long lapsed. It took two attempts, but the sprightly 84-year-old proved age, bad roads or fast drivers need not be a barrier to passing the test.
January 15 1775 - Thomas Dermody, classical scholar and poet is born 1798 - Thomas Crofton Croker, antiquarian and folklorist, is born in Cork 1800 - The last session of the Irish parliament begins on this date 1821 - Thomas Clarke Luby, Fenian, is born in Dublin 1825 - Thomas, 2nd Viscount Newcomen, commits suicide after the failure of Newcomen's Bank 1835 - Birth of Patrick Guiney, soldier and politician, in Parkstown, Co. Tipperary 1860 - Eleanor Hull, Irish Celtic Scholar is born 1861 - Young Irelander Terence MacManus dies in San Francisco, CA 1939 - IRA Army Council and Republican survivors of 2nd Dáil Éireann declare war on England 1920 - Sinn Féin takes control of most borough and urban councils in local elections 1961 - Dave MacAuley, world flyweight boxing champion, IBF,1989-92, is born in Larne, Co. Antrim 1973 - Ireland joins the European Investment bank 1988 - Sean McBride, Irish patriot and human rights activist, dies. 2007 - Dublin-boorn actress Pauline Delaney, who is best known for her role in Circle of Friends and Into The West, passes away from complications caused by from Parkinson's disease. In the liturgical calendar, today is the feast of St. Ita.
1753 - Death of George Berkeley, Irish philosopher and Anglican 1775 - John Hely-Hutchinson, Provost of Trinity College, fights a duel with William Doyle over abusive newspaper articles. Doyle is ill and has to lean on a crutch at the duel; on being challenged he had initially complained of sore eyes, and 'objected to stand merely to be shot at, without the power of retaliation'. Neither party is injured. One of the Provost's sons wishes to fight a further duel with Doyle, but the authorities prevent this; they then go abroad and hold the duel, neither being injured 1871 - Alexander Sullivan, barrister and last King's Serjeant of Ireland, is born in Dublin 1937 - De Valera's new constitution, with its assertions of Ireland as a sovereign 32-county state, and its definition of Catholic morality and "women's place" is approved 1965 - Talks between Seán Lemass, Taoiseach, and Terence O'Neill, Northern Ireland Prime Minister, take place in Belfast 2000 - Unemployment drops to its lowest level in 19 years 2000 - Unionist politicians are furious after Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams claims that there could be a united Ireland by the year 2016, the centenary of the Easter Rising 2000 - Eco Warriors and the Green Party meet with members of Wicklow County Council in a last ditch attempt to get the local authority to abandon its controversial road widening scheme in the Glen of the Downs.
January 13 1695 - Jonathan Swift becomes Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin 1800 - Daniel O'Connell makes his first public speech, opposing Union with England 1880 - Alexander Brenon, film director, is born in Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin 1931 - Mary Clarke, Maryknoll nun and martyr is born of Irish parents in NYC 1935 - Eibhin Nic Choill (Eleanor Hill) Irish Celtic scholar dies 1941 - James Joyce, considered by many to be one of the most important modern authors in English because of his revolutionary approach to the novel, dies in Zurich 1964 - Ulster golfer Ronan Rafferty is born 1998 - Northern Ireland takes another giant step towards peace after the political parties at Stormont accept the British and Irish governments blueprint as the basis for negotiation 2000 - A record-breaking 55 people are presented with the President’s Gold Awards at a special ceremony in A´ras an Uachtaráin 2000 - It is announced that a 1,000 year old treasure trove has been discovered by a tour guide cleaning up litter from a Co Kilkenny cave. The priceless Viking age silver and bronze jewellery is unique - nothing like them have been found in Ireland or elsewhere 2001 - One and a half copies of the most important piece of documentation of the 20th century in Ireland, the Declaration of Independence, is sold to a New York collector for £56,000 2003 - It is announced that the Government is to undertake a major review of Gaeltacht areas amid concerns of a dramatic fall-off in Irish language use in many areas.
Please note that this amount can be paid in installments.
MAIL CHECKS TO: Ed Blank
Ed Blank, 117 Highridge Circle, Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1009 - Make checks payable to Ed Blank (his gas bill is high!) - Indicate on the check memo section - 20th Anniversary.
January 12 1709 - Birth of Benjamin Burton, politician and Revenue Commissioner 1729 - Edmund Burke, orator, statesman and philosopher, is born in Arran Quay, Dublin 1765 - The Kinsale by-election caused by the death of John Folliott on this date is contested by Agmondisham Vesey and Richard Meade. Vesey wins by 64 votes to 48, but pays a price for being elected: William Dennis, vintner, receives £80 for Mr Vesey's entertainment. Three other innkeepers receive a total of £76 3s 6d for providing 'drink for Mr Vesey's health' and a further £14 9s for beer to the populace. His election agent, James Dennis, spends £46 12s 2d to send a coach and post-chaise to Dublin to collect voters. Vesey spends a further £12 7s 10d on 'a notice to disqualify John O'Grady as a Papist from voting'. Ben Hayes, fiddler, is paid £5 13s 9d. Vesey's election breakages bill amounts to £7 8s, exclusive of fines for 'a crowd of broke heads and crakt limbs'. James Kearney (a future MP for Kinsale) spends £16 4s 3d to bring voters to Kinsale on Vesey's behalf: this includes a post-chaise and hospitality on the four-day journey 1885 - Thomas Ashe, patriot and nationalist revolutionary, is born in Lispole, Co. Kerry 1887 - Molly Allgood, actress (stage name Máire O'Neill) and fiancée of Synge, is born in Dublin 1930 - Birth of Jennifer Johnston, author of How Many Miles to Babylon and The Railway Station Man 1947 - Matt Molloy of the Chieftains is born 1947 - Micheal O'Siadhail, poet and linguist, is born in Dublin 1951 - Birth of Steve Travers, surviving member of the Miami Showband massacre, and managing director of CAT Entertainments 1993 - A Fianna Fáil-Labour coalition government is formed, with Reynolds as Taoiseach 1998 - Political master strokes by Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair breath new life into the Northern peace process with a blueprint for peace which could replace the Anglo-Irish Agreement with a three-stranded government for the North 2000 - Despite the controversy over the book, Limerick people turnout in huge numbers to attend the sell out film premiere of Angela’s Ashes.
January 11 1836 - George Sigerson, physician, professor and writer, is born near Strabane, Co. Tyrone 1921 - The British government announces that any unauthorised person found in possession of arms, ammunition or explosives is liable to be executed 1925 - Birth of David Wylie Bleakley, writer and Northern Ireland Labour Party politician 1970 - IRA splits into Officials and Provisionals (Provos) 1972 - Padraic Colum, Longford poet and playwright, dies 1998 - The Government plays down reports of a rift between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair 1999 - The Democratic Unionist Party warns that it would mount a legal challenge if Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam moves to announce a power-sharing Executive without the Assembly approving the new government structures 2000 - Furious farmers block the entrances to all the main meat processing plants in protest against the imposition of increased veterinary inspection charges 2002 - The country's population is set for another dramatic increase after Ireland records the highest birth rate and lowest death rate of all 15 EU member states in 2001.
March for Life this year will be January 22, 2009. Please email Pat Clark or call 412.761.3897 if you would like to participate.
We leave St. Simon & Jude at 6:30 AM and return around 10:30 PM. Currently we do not have very many people signed up, so please consider coming out to support the Right to Life.
January 10 1751 - Cornelius Bolton, politician, Volunteer and improving landlord is born 1814 - Aubrey Thomas De Vere, a poet who adapted early Gaelic tales, is born 1922 - Arthur Griffith elected President of Irish Free State 1952 - An Aer Lingus aeroplane, the St Kevin, crashes in Wales with the loss of 23 lives. It is the airline's second fatal crash 1969 - Civil rights leaders in Northern Ireland defying police orders and refuse to abandon their planned march through Newry in Co. Down 2000 - The Lodge and Spa at Inchydoney Island, Clonakilty, County Cork, is the AA Hotel of the Year 2002 - A new chapter in Irish literary history is written with the publication of The Last Tango in Ibiza, which was penned by first-time authors who include a nun and several grannies 2003 - Farmers drive 300 tractors into the city and hold a two-hour rally in front of Government Buildings at Merrion Square 2003 - Feared loyalist paramilitary chief Johnny Mad Dog Adair is arrested and sent back to jail. Adair will not now be released from prison until January 2005.
January 9 1642 - 30 Catholics are killed by the Scottish garrison and English settlers at Island Magee, Co. Antrim 1873 - John J. Flanagan, hammer-thrower and shot-putter, is born in Kilbreedy, Co. Limerick 1900 - Birth of Harry Kernoff in London, artist; resident of Dublin from the time he was 14 years old 1904 - George Buchanan, poet, novelist and journalist, is born in Kilwaughter, Co. Down 1922 - Arthur Griffith is elected Taoiseach of Dáil Éireann after Eamon de Valera steps down 1929 - Brian Friel, playwright and author of Dancing at Lughnasa, is born near Omagh, Co. Tyrone 1951 - The Northern and Southern governments agree on the running of the Great Northern Railway 1952 - Birth of Danny Morrison, former publicity officer for Sinn Féin, and now a novelist 1962 - Birth of Ray Houghton, footballer 1998 - Mo Mowlam, risks her political future in talks with loyalist paramilitaries inside the Maze prison in a desperate bid to save the troubled Northern Ireland peace process 2000 - Boy band Westlife retains their place at the top of the charts to become the first act in more than a year to hang on at number one for longer than three weeks 2001 - For the first time ever, electric power comes to the tiny islands of Inishgort and Inishlyre in Clew Bay 2002 - Former soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, accepts the honour of being named the 71st Freeman of Dublin, following in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela and members of U2 2002 - Police are attacked with bricks and bombs by rioters from both sides of the sectarian divide, as bigotry and violence flare again at the Holy Cross Primary School in Ardoyne, north Belfast.
