1833 - Catholic Emancipation

The first Catholic MPs took their seats in Westminster following the Catholic Emancipation Act, marking a revolutionary change in British and Irish politics. Led by Daniel O'Connell, these representatives symbolized the successful culmination of the Catholic emancipation movement and the beginning of a new era in Irish parliamentary participation.

The presence of Catholic MPs in Westminster challenged centuries of Protestant political dominance and opened new possibilities for Irish constitutional nationalism. Their arrival marked the practical implementation of emancipation and set precedents for future Catholic participation in politics at all levels.

1912 - Ulster Defence Force

The Ulster Unionist Council established the Ulster Defence Force, creating a formal structure for armed resistance to Home Rule. This organization, which would later evolve into the Ulster Volunteer Force, represented a significant escalation in unionist opposition to Irish self-government.

The force's creation demonstrated the determination of Ulster unionists to resist Home Rule through military means if necessary. Its establishment prompted similar nationalist military organizations, setting the stage for increased militarization of Irish politics.

1981 - Bobby Sands Begins Hunger Strike

Bobby Sands began his hunger strike in the H-Block of Long Kesh Prison, initiating what would become one of the most significant protests of the Troubles. His decision to refuse food came after years of protest over the British government's withdrawal of Special Category Status for republican prisoners.

The hunger strike would capture international attention and transform the republican movement. Sands's protest, which would eventually lead to his election as an MP and subsequent death, marked a crucial turning point in republican strategy, shifting emphasis toward political action while maintaining armed struggle.