1916 - Rising Aftermath

The British government appointed the Hardinge Commission to investigate the causes of the Easter Rising, marking the beginning of official efforts to understand and respond to the rebellion. The commission's work would reveal significant failures in British administration in Ireland, though its recommendations would prove inadequate to address the growing support for independence.

1926 - Fianna Fáil Formation

Éamon de Valera launched Fianna Fáil at a meeting in Dublin's La Scala Theatre, marking a crucial development in Irish republican politics. The new party's decision to work within the existing political system while maintaining republican principles would transform Irish politics. De Valera's leadership would guide the party to become the dominant force in Irish political life for much of the 20th century.

1987 - Loughgall Ambush

The SAS killed eight IRA members and one civilian in an ambush at Loughgall, County Armagh. The operation marked the biggest single loss of life for the IRA since the 1920s and demonstrated the effectiveness of British intelligence operations against the organization. The controversial nature of the ambush, particularly the death of an innocent civilian, would fuel ongoing debates about security force tactics.