October 12th in Irish History

1729 - Swift's Protest

Jonathan Swift published "A Modest Proposal," his satirical attack on British policy. The work highlighted the desperate conditions in Ireland. His writing became a classic of political satire.

1884 - GAA Formation

Preparations intensified for the founding of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Michael Cusack organized support for the new organization. The GAA would become a powerful force in Irish cultural nationalism.

1921 - Treaty Conference

The London negotiations focused on financial arrangements. Discussions addressed war debt and pension obligations. These talks revealed complex economic aspects of separation.

1969 - Police Changes

Implementation of Hunt Report recommendations continued. New training programs were introduced for RUC officers. These reforms marked significant changes in policing methods.

1984 - Brighton Bombing

The IRA bombed the Grand Hotel in Brighton during the Conservative Party conference. The attack killed five people and nearly claimed Prime Minister Thatcher. This marked a significant escalation in IRA operations in Britain.