1856 - George Bernard Shaw Born in Dublin

The acclaimed playwright and critic George Bernard Shaw was born at 3 Synge Street in Dublin. Shaw would go on to become one of Ireland's most celebrated writers, winning both a Nobel Prize for Literature and an Academy Award. His wit, social criticism, and advocacy for social reform would influence literature and political thought throughout the 20th century.

1914 - Howth Gun Running Operation

Irish Volunteers successfully landed 900 rifles and 29,000 rounds of ammunition at Howth Harbor near Dublin. The weapons, purchased from Germany, were distributed to nationalist volunteers before British authorities could intervene. Later that day, when British troops attempted to recover the arms, they clashed with civilians at Bachelor's Walk, resulting in four deaths.

1945 - De Valera Responds to Churchill

Éamon de Valera delivered his famous radio response to Winston Churchill's criticism of Ireland's neutrality during World War II. In his powerful address, de Valera defended Ireland's position and reminded Britain of its historical treatment of Ireland, while also expressing sympathy for the British people's wartime suffering.

1983 - Launch of Ireland's National Lottery

The Irish government officially established the National Lottery, transforming charitable fundraising in Ireland. The initiative was designed to generate funds for good causes in the areas of sport and recreation, national heritage, the arts, and community development, marking a new era in Irish charitable giving and public entertainment.