July 15th in Irish History

1315 - Edward Bruce Launches Irish Campaign

Edward Bruce, brother of Scottish King Robert Bruce, landed in Ireland with a substantial army near Larne. Leading 6,000 Scottish troops, he launched an ambitious campaign to become High King of Ireland and create a Celtic alliance against English rule. The local Irish chiefs of Ulster initially welcomed Bruce's arrival, seeing an opportunity to challenge Anglo-Norman dominance.

1870 - Cardinal Paul Cullen Proclaims Papal Infallibility

At the First Vatican Council in Rome, Cardinal Paul Cullen of Dublin became the first person to proclaim the doctrine of papal infallibility. As one of the most influential Irish Catholic churchmen of the 19th century, Cullen's role in this historic proclamation highlighted Ireland's significant position within the global Catholic Church.

1942 - Irish Government Protests Allied Troops in Northern Ireland

Éamon de Valera's government issued a formal protest against the presence of American troops in Northern Ireland. The protest emphasized Ireland's neutrality during World War II and objected to the stationing of foreign forces on any part of the island. This stance reflected the complex relationships between Ireland, Britain, and the United States during the war years.

1974 - UVF Bombs Dublin Airport

A bomb planted by the Ulster Volunteer Force exploded at Dublin Airport, damaging the terminal building and injuring several people. The attack came during a period of heightened tensions in Northern Ireland, marking one of several incidents where violence spilled over into the Republic of Ireland. The bombing highlighted the vulnerability of civilian targets during the Troubles.