1710 - Penal Laws

The Irish Parliament passed new restrictions on Catholic education, further tightening the Penal Laws. The legislation prohibited Catholics from sending their children abroad for education. These restrictions would lead to the development of secret "hedge schools" across Ireland.

1866 - Fenian Preparations

The Irish Republican Brotherhood intensified preparations for rebellion, establishing arms dumps across the country. Local units increased drilling activities despite police surveillance. The movement's military council finalized plans for a nationwide uprising.

1922 - Michael Collins Death

Michael Collins was killed in an ambush at Béal na Bláth, County Cork. The death of the Commander-in-Chief dealt a devastating blow to the Free State government. His loss would be deeply felt during the remaining months of the Civil War.

1969 - Peaceline Construction

British troops accelerated the construction of permanent barriers between Protestant and Catholic areas in Belfast. These "peace lines" marked the increasing physical segregation of communities. Many of these supposedly temporary structures would become permanent features of the city.

1981 - Prison Changes

The British government announced changes to prison conditions following the end of the hunger strike. The reforms largely granted the substance of the prisoners' demands without formal recognition of political status. These changes marked a quiet reversal of the previous hardline policy.