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#OnThisDay 1878 Thomas MacDonagh, Easter Rising leader, signatory of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic & Commandant of the Volunteers stationed in Jacob’s Mills, was born in Cloughjordan, Tipperary. MacDonagh was the third leader to be executed.

#OnThisDay 1796 Theobald Wolfe Tone arrived in France after 31 days at sea from exile in America. He spoke with future US President Monroe & French diplomats. By the year’s end Tone & General Lazare Hoche launched an (unsuccessful) invasion to liberate Ireland.

#OnThisDay 1922 The Irish National Army is officially set up with its HQ in Beggarsbush Barracks, Dublin. Collins took the salute. The garrison is made up of ex-Squad members & trusted Dublin Brigade men-they become the first regiment of the Free State army.

#OnThisDay 1921 IRA ambush RIC County Inspector W.L. King near Mallow. They wounded King but killed his 30 y/o wife. In retaliation, Black and Tans & Auxiliaries shoot and kill three railway workers at Mallow train station. One a 17 y/o, another a father of 8.

#OnThisDay 1972 Thirteen unarmed peaceful protestors were shot dead by soldiers of the British Army in Derry. Another died a month later & there are many more wounded from rubber bullets. Seven of the deceased were teenagers. This was Bloody Sunday.