January 05

1787

John Burke, genealogist, born

Ireland

John Burke, born in 1787, was a prominent Irish genealogist and heraldic expert. He is best known for his work on genealogical and historical reference books, particularly …

1871

33 Fenian prisoners are released by the British

Ireland

33 Fenian prisoners, including Devoy, Rossa, O’Leary and Luby, are released by the British in a general amnesty In 1871, the British government did indeed release a …

1885

Hugh O'Brien is sworn in as Bostons first Irish mayor

Unitedstates

Hugh O’Brien, commonly known as Hugh O’Brien, was sworn in as Boston’s first Irish mayor on January 04, 1885. He was a prominent figure in Boston’s …

1922

Sir Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic explorer, died

Ireland

Sir Ernest Shackleton, the renowned Antarctic explorer, died on January 05, 1922. Shackleton is widely celebrated for his leadership and contributions to the “Heroic Age of …

1929

Playwright Brian Friel, author of Dancing at Lughnasa, is born

Ireland

Playwright Brian Friel, best known for his works such as “Dancing at Lughnasa,” was born on January 09, 1929. Brian Friel is one of Ireland’s most celebrated and …

1984

Ronald MacDonald Douglas, prominent Scottish nationalist died.

Scotland

Ronald MacDonald Douglas, born in 1896 was a prominent Scottish nationalist and author, died in 1984 “The Scottish Book of Lore and Folklore” by Ronald MacDonald …

2005

England Glastonbury Thorn Day

England

Glastonbury Abbey in Glastonbury, Somerset, England, now presents itself as traditionally the oldest above-ground Christian church in the world situated in the mystical land of …