February 16: TODAY in Irish History (by IrishmanSpeaks) 
1890: Death of Dublin born scientist Sir Robert John Kane age eighty. In a distinguished career, he founded the Dublin Journal of Medical Science, Vice-Chancellor of Royal University of Ireland and was director of Museum of Irish Industry.
Sir Robert John Kane 1809-1890
Kane’s father participated in the 1898 rebellion while his son became an Admiral in the British Navy. Kane was knighted in 1846.
1921: War of Independence. British troops kill four IRA men discovered while preparing an ambush in West Cork.
1932: The General Election sees Fianna Fail become the largest party in the state for the first time. Pushing a populist agenda featuring a promise to abolish the oath of allegiance, encourage protectionism and freeing IRA prisoners, Fianna Fail gained 72 seats to Cumann na nGaehael’s 57. The party that had been defeated in the civil war just ten years previously was now due to take power. On March 10th, De Valera would be elected Taoiseach of a minority administration with the support of the Labour Party.
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1992: SAS ambush IRAmen at Clonoe, County Tyrone
A Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) unit is ambushed by the Special Air Service at a graveyard after launching a heavy machine gun attack on the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) base in Coalisland. Four IRA men were killed in what appeared to be a well planned ambush.
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2011: For the first time, the morning after pill can now be sold by Irish pharmacies without need for a doctor’s prescription.
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 