February 15: TODAY in Irish History (by IrishmanSpeaks) 
1856: The steamship Queen Victoria, on a voyage from Liverpool to Dublin, with 100 passengers and cargo on board hits the rocks near Howth, Co Dublin in the early hours of the morning. An estimated 60 lives are lost.
1874: Polar explored Ernest Shackleton is born in Kilkea, Co. Kildare. He is most famous for his failed expedition on the ship Endurance when he attempted to cross the Antartic from sea to sea via the South Pole.
Polar Explorer Ernest Shackleton
1921: Upton (Co. Cork) Train Ambush. The IRA ambush a train at Upton believing it is transporting an estimated fifteen British soldiers. Unknown to them, at least fifty additional troops had joined the train. An undisciplined IRA attack resulted in the death of six civilians, three IRA volunteers and the wounding of a number of British troops. The leader of the botched ambush, Charlie Hurley would himself die the following month. For detailed article.
1921: Just twelve miles away two IRA volunteers – the Coffey brothers – are executed in their beds. It has never been clarified if it was a local loyalist group or the Black and Tans who were responsible.
1995: Ireland v England Soccer International Abondoned
A friendly international between the Republic of Ireland and England at Lansdowne Road Dublin is abandoned when a group of English Neo-Nazi supporters start a riot during the game.
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!
Today In Irish History 