#OnThisDay 1949 26 Irish counties became a republic.
‘Radio Éireann marked the Republic’s official birth at a minute past midnight:
“These are the first moments of Easter Monday, April 18th, 1949. Since midnight, for the first time in history, international recognition has been accorded to the Republic of Ireland. Our listeners will join us is asking God’s blessing on the Republic, and in praying that it will not be long until the sovereignty of the Republic extends over the whole of our national territory.”
The Irish at War 