On This Day Posts

Likely the greatest sculptor of 19th century America, August Saint Gaudens (1848–1907), was born in Dublin on March 1st, 1848 to a French father and Irish mother. Before Saint-Gaudens' first birthday, his family emigrated, ultimately settling …

Fr. Hugh Joseph O'Flaherty (1898 - 1963) was born on this day, February 28, 1898 in Lisrobin, Kishkeam, Co. Cork.  Have you listened to our podcast? Get the latest on our Episode Page. Originally O’Flaherty pursued a credential as a…

John Philip Holland (1841 - 1914), commonly considered the father of modern submarines, was born on this day, Feb 24, 1841, in Liscannor, Clare. He trained as a teacher in Cork and worked as a mathematics teacher before emigrating to America in 1873…

Sculptor Jerome Connor (1874 - 1943) was born in Coumduff near Anascaul in Kerry on this day Feb 23, 1874. At age 14 he emigrated along with his family to Holyoke in Massachusetts. Jerome’s father, Patrick appears to have worked as a stonecutt…

Ted Kennedy (1932 - 2009) was born Edward Moore Kennedy in Boston, Massachusetts, on Feb 22, 1932. He was the youngest child of nine, born to Joseph Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald. His Great Grandfather Patrick Kennedy arrived in Boston in 1849 at the …

On February 21, 1760, 600 troops under the leadership of François Thurot (1727 - 1760) landed in Antrim and captured Carrickfergus Castle from a small garrison. This minor military engagement was part of a broader global military conflict bet…

Few people leave such a permanent mark on a city as James Gandon (1743 - 1823) did in Dublin. He was born in London on this day, February 20, 1743.  Have you listened to our podcast? Get the latest on our Episode Page. He trained as an ar…

John O'Shanassy (1818 - 1883) was born on this date, February 18th, in Thurles, Tipperary. O’Shanassy’s education was cut short when his father died prematurely and at age 13 he was apprenticed to a draper and wine merchant. Have you …

Lola Montez (1821 - 1861) is an unlikely name for an Irishwoman. She was born Eliza Rosanna Gilbert in Sligo on February 17, 1821. Despite her privileged background, the family was resident in Limerick's Castle Oliver; Montez refused to conform to e…

Mainie Jellett (1897 - 1944) Despite her short life, Mainie Jellett, made significant contributions to the arts in Ireland. Mainie was a pet name; she was born Mary Harriet Jellett on April 29, 1897, into a prosperous Dublin family. Have you li…