Elizabeth “Lily” Mernin, from Dungarvan, also known as ‘The Little Gentleman” was one of the most important spies in Dublin Castle. Among other things, Mernin provided the IRA with the names & addresses of British intelligence officers that were shot on Bloody Sunday.
#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.”
#OnThisDay 1969 Lt John Cecil Driver from Ringsend, Dublin was killed in action on his second tour in Vietnam. Driver had joined the British Army at 17 & served in Malaya, Egypt & others before joining the US Army & served with the 101st Div.
#OnThisDay 1967 Sgt Edward Howell, from Dublin died from his wounds suffered in a firefight with enemy forces a month earlier on Operation Sam Houston during in the Vietnam War. Howell had 3 months left on his tour. He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
#OnThisDay 1949 At midnight twenty-six counties of Ireland officially left the British Commonwealth and became a republic on the 18th. Crowds packed on to O’Connell Street bridge to see a 21 gun salute. It was 3 minutes late due to the massive crowds.
The Irish at War 