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On this day

March 11

1812
Births

March 11, 1812

Birth of William Wallace, Composer

William Wallace, a distinguished violinist and composer, was born on March 11, 1812, in Waterford, Ireland. He was the son of a Scottish bandmaster, which likely influenced his early musical development. Wallace gained considerable recognition for his operatic works, including "Maritana," which premiered in 1845 and became highly popular. His compositions often incorporated elements of Irish and Scottish folk music, contributing to a unique national style. Wallace's career spanned various countries, establishing him as a notable figure in 19th-century European music.

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1921
Battles

March 11, 1921

Selton Hill Ambush

The Selton Hill Ambush occurred on March 11, 1921, during the Irish War of Independence. Crown forces ambushed an Irish Republican Army (IRA) flying column in County Leitrim. Six IRA volunteers were killed in the engagement, including their commander, Seán Connolly, who was also a General Headquarters (GHQ) staff officer. This event was a significant blow to the IRA in the region and highlighted the intense guerrilla warfare tactics employed by both sides during the conflict. The ambush underscored the dangers faced by IRA units operating in rural areas.

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1974
Politics

March 11, 1974

Killing of Senator Billy Fox

On March 11, 1974, Senator Billy Fox of Fine Gael was tragically killed by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in County Monaghan. This marked a somber moment as he was the first member of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) to be killed since Kevin O’Higgins in 1927. Fox's death occurred during a period of heightened political tension and violence in Northern Ireland, known as The Troubles, which often spilled over into the Republic of Ireland. His assassination underscored the severe political instability and the dangers faced by public figures during that era.

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