February 7: TODAY in Irish History (by IrishmanSpeaks) 
1865: Double Medal of Honor recipient John King is born in Ballinrobe, County Mayo.
Medal of honor recipient John King
King is one of only 19 people to receive the award twice. His first citation for actions in 1901 reads:
“Rank and organization: Watertender, U.S. Navy. Born: 7 February 1865, Ireland. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 72, 6 December 1901. Second award. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Vicksburg, for heroism in the line of his profession at the time of the accident to the boilers, 29 May 1901.”
Citation two reads:
“G.O. No.: 40, 19 October 1909. Citation: Watertender, serving on board the U.S.S. Salem, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession on the occasion of the accident to one of the boilers of that vessel, 13 September 1909.” See Medal of Honor Recipients.
1922: In Northern Ireland, the IRA kidnaps forty-two loyalists activists and “B” Specials (a part-time auxiliary police force which was almost 100% protestant) in response to the arrest of some Monaghan footballers, January 14 who were travelling to play in an Ulster Championship game. At least one of this party was an IRA activist. After intense negotiations between Michael Collins and Winston Churchill, all parties on both sides were released. Following this incident, Churchill who was leading the UK effort on the transfer of power following the Treaty wrote to his wife Clementine in what might be termed an understatement “Ireland is sure to bring us every form of difficulty and embarrasment. “
1992: The Maastricht Treaty is signed by 12 nations creating the European Union. The domestic currencies of the member countries (including the Irish Punt) would be replaced by the Euro, January 1 1999.
Learn more about Ireland? See these images and more in the acclaimed For the Love of Being Irish
Today in Irish History is edited by Chicago based business keynote speaker, author, award winning humorist and history buff Conor Cunneen – IrishmanSpeaks. As a Chicago based professional speaker, this Irishman’s client base ranges from Harley-Davidson to Helsinki, from Memphis to Madrid as he Energizes, Educates and Entertains his audience to grow their business, people, teamwork and productivity.
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Today In Irish History 