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Feb. 28, 2022

OTD: Birth of Hugh O'Flaherty - 1898

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…

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Feb. 24, 2022

OTD: Birth of John Philip Holland - 1841

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…

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Feb. 22, 2022

OTD: Birth of Ted Kennedy - 1932

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 …

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Feb. 21, 2022

OTD: Battle of Carrickfergus - 1760

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…

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Feb. 20, 2022

James Gandon - Architect (1743 - 1823)

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…

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Feb. 18, 2022

John O'Shanassy - Australian Politician (1818 - 1883)

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 …

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Feb. 17, 2022

OTD: Lola Montez (17 Feb, 1821 - 17 Jan, 1861)

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…

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Feb. 14, 2022

OTD: Birth of Mary Agnes Lee - 1821

Mary Agnes Lee (1821 - 1909) was born in Monaghan and at at age 58, following the death of her husband, emigrated to Australia to care for an ailing son. Sadly her son Benjamin died the following year in 1880. Have you listened to our podcast? Ge…

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Feb. 13, 2022

OTD: Birth of Frank Aiken - 1898

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…

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Feb. 12, 2022

OTD: Birth of Kay McNulty - 1921

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…

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