Frank Aiken (1898 - 1983) was born into a staunchly Republican family in Camlough, County Armagh, on February 13, 1989. By age 16, Aiken had become a member of the local Irish Volunteers. That group chose not to participate in the 1916 Rising, but b…
Computer programming pioneer Kay McNulty (1921 - 2006) was born on Feb 12, 1921, in Cresslough, part of the Donegal Gaeltacht. At age 3, McNulty's family emigrated to Philadelphia, her father, James, had opposed the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty and opted…
Agnes Mary Clerke (1842 - 1907) was born in Skibbereen, County Cork, on February 10, 1842. Her father, John William Clerke, introduced her to astronomy at an early age, undoubtedly abetted by the possession of a family telescope. Have you listene…
Brendan Behan was born in Dublin on February 9, 1923. Behan, an enfant terrible of the Irish literary scene, is remembered as much for his notorious displays of alcoholism as his literary talent. He was both adored and reviled in his native Dublin. …
Kate Chopin (1850 - 1904), an important foundational figure in American feminist literature, was born Katherine O'Flaherty on February 8, 1850, in St Louis, Missouri. Her father, Thomas, was an immigrant from Galway. Her mother, Eliza Farris, was a …
Alfred Chester Beatty was born in New York City on February 7, 1875. His paternal grandparents were Irish emigrants originating from Laois and Armagh, respectively. Have you listened to our podcast? Get the latest on our Episode Page Aft…
Peter Lalor (1827 - 1889) was born in Ratheen, Laois on the 5th of February 1829. Lalor was the youngest of 11 children born of strong nationalist opinions. Lalor received an education as a civil engineer and along with with his brother Richa…
Constance Markievicz (1868 - 1927) was born in London on February 4th, 1868. She was born Constance Gore-Booth and is often called Countess Markievicz by virtue of her 1900 marriage to Count Casimir Markievicz whose claims to title and nobility are …
Upper Left: Thomas Mellon (1813 - 1908)Lower Left: Thomas Mellon Birthplace, Tyrone, IrelandRight: Mellon Headquarters, Pittsburgh One of America's wealthiest families originates from the small village of Cappagh in County Tyrone. In 1813, Thomas M…
Upper Left: Ulysses First EditionLower Left: Ulysses: A Reader's Odyssey by Danial MulhallRight: James Joyce (1882 - 1941) The publication of Ulysses and James Joyce's birthday coincided in 1922. The book has bewitched and bewildered readers for 10…