February 21: TODAY in Irish History (by IrishmanSpeaks) 
1850: Medal of Honor winner Edward Floyd is born in Ireland (location unknown.)
Edward Floyd
Floyd’s citation reads: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Boilermaker Edward Floyd, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while serving on board the U.S.S. Iowa, at the time of the blowing out of the manhole plate of Boiler D on board that vessel, 25 January 1905.
Headstone Edward Floyd
1910: Ulster Unionists elect Sir Edward Carson as party leader. He would prove to be an inspired choice from the Unionist point of view.
Sir Edward Carson
1922: Recruitment campaign commences for An Garda Síochána (Guardians of the Peace), the Irish police force. Candidates were to be at least 5′ 9″, unmarried and between the ages of 19 and 27. Michael Joseph Staines is the first Garda Commissioner.
Garda Síochána circa 1923
2009: Over 100,000 take to Dublin streets to protest the financial and banking crisis affecting Ireland. Unemployment rate in Ireland would jump from 4% (2008) to over 14% by 2011.
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 