February 8: TODAY in Irish History (by IrishmanSpeaks)
1847: The Cork Examiner reported reported that in response to food riots by starving famine victims, that “a deputation, consisting of the principal Master Bakers in the city, waited on the Magistrates at the Police-office, and stated that in consequence of the present alarming height to which the disturbances in the city have risen, they should be compelled to close their shops and sell no more bread unless the court would ensure to them the protection of the military and police force.”
1847: An ailing Daniel O’Connell makes his final speech to House of Commons pleading for help for a starving Ireland.
“”She is in your hands — in your power. If you do not save her, she cannot save herself. I solemnly call on you to recollect that I predict, with the sincerest conviction, that one- fourth of her population will perish unless you come to her relief.”
1908: Irish Women’s Franchise League was founded by Hanna Sheehy Skeffington and Margaret Cousins. with the intention of gaining voting rights for women.
1932: Donegal born Vincent “Mad Dog” Coll is gunned down by Chicago mobsters, a fate he had imposed on some of his fellow Chicago mobsters. Coll, by all accounts was a ruthless, violent criminal whose fate was sealed when he started a gang war by shooting colleagues of his former mob boss Dutch Schultz. Coll was gunned down while making a phone call in a drug store.

Vincent “Mad Dog” Coll in court
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.
Conor Cunneen is just the 63rd person in the history of Toastmasters to be awarded Accredited Speaker designation. If you spot any inaccuracies or wish to make a comment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. – Cheers!