December 25: TODAY IN IRISH HISTORY (published by IrishmanSpeaks)
1832: Thomas Alfred Smyth, the last Union General to be killed in the Civil War is born in Ballyhooly, County Cork. He died on the day of Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, having been mortally wounded by a sniper two days previously. A detailed profile of Smyth is at the excellent Irish in the American Civil War
Irish born Union General Thomas Smyth
1914: Christmas Day Truce when British and German troops layed down their arms and played a game of soccer between the trenches. It is a day full of myth and legend, poorly recorded (partly due to the commanders of both sides playing down the event) and probably some exxageration as to how large an event it was. There is no doubt that Silent Night was sung by both sides on the night. The Dept of the Taoiseach states that some “Some Irish soldiers took part in the Christmas Truce of 1914 when there was a spontaneous cessation in the killing for a short period.” There is little record of Irish troops being involved, but given that over 200,000 Irish fought in the British army during this conflict (over 30,000 killed), it is quite likely that some Irish brogues were heard during one of the most poignant incidents in military history.
1916: 460 Irish prisoners (from 1916 Easter Rising) are released by British Government.
1920: Report from “Down Under” on Christmas in Ireland during War of Independence.
Want to learn more about Ireland? See these images and more in the acclaimed For the Love of Being Irish
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For the Love of Being Irish written by Chicago based Corkman Conor Cunneen and illustrated by Mark Anderson which is an A-Z of all things Irish. This is a book that contains History, Horror, Humor, Passion, Pathos and Lyrical Limericks that will have you giving thanks (or wishing you were) For the Love of Being Irish
Watch For the Love of Being Irish author Conor Cunneen – IrishmanSpeaks on his Youtube channel IrishmanSpeaks. Laugh and Learn.
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This history is written by Irish author, business keynote speaker and award winning humoristIrishmanSpeaks – Conor Cunneen. If you spot any inaccuracies or wish to make a comment, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the comment button.
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Today In Irish History 