July 13: TODAY in Irish History:
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U2’s Bono illustrated in For the Love of Being Irish
Snippets of Irish History by Conor Cunneen IrishmanSpeaks 
Conor is a Chicago based Motivational Humorous Business Speaker, Author and History buff.
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1863: New York Draft Riots
Large numbers of Irish immigrants are involved in Draft Riots in New York. The riots originated in protest against the introduction of conscription of US citizens. Many Irish had enrolled (or been enrolled) for US citizenship by the Democratic Party machine purely for the purpose of voting and never expected to have to fight for a government they saw as being anti-Catholic and anti-Irish. The inequity of the draft system where the well to do could buy themselves out of the draft by paying $300 also raised ire. But the response of the predominantly Irish rioters was appalling as they targeted hundreds of unfortunate black Americans, lynching at least eleven in an orgy of unrestrained violence. Exact numbers who died are unknown, but some historians believe the riots were the largest civil insurrection in US history.
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- Draft Riots New York 1863
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More on NEW YORK DRAFT RIOTS.
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1886: Father Edward Flanagan of Boystown
Edward J. Flanagan (d. 11948), founder of Boys Town is born in Ballymoe, Co. Roscommon. He was a true friend to children in need who stated ““There are no bad boys. There is only bad environment, bad training, bad example, bad thinking.”
- Roscommon born Father Flanagan
The website www.boystown.org says “On December 12, 1917, Father Flanagan opened his first Boys’ Home in a run-down Victorian mansion in downtown Omaha. In 1921, the Boys’ Home moved to Overlook Farm, its present location near 139th and West Dodge Road. Father Flanagan and Boys Town became internationally known with the help of the 1938 movie, “Boys Town.” He became an acknowledged expert in the field of child care, and toured the United States discussing his views on juvenile delinquency.”
Flanagan’s great work was portrayed (in a very Hollywood style) in Boys Town starring Spencer Tracy who was of Irish extraction.
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1981: IRA member Martin Hurson is the sixth person to die on hunger strike in an effort to gain political status for Republican prisoners. Another four would die before the strike would be called off.
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1985: Live Aid
Live Aid, organized primarily by Dublin born Bob Geldof is held in London and Philadelphia. Geldof was lead singer with Irish punk band The Boomtown Rats. The one time punk became an outspoken voice for third world countries and bullied, cajoled, persuaded some of the world’s largest bands to donate their services for a huge musical events. Bands that played London include U2, Queen, the Who and Dire Straits. Philadelphia performers included the Beach Boys, Judas Priest, Tom Petty.
In London, an already successful u2 played a 17 minute breakout set that included Sunday Bloody Sunday and Bad.
U2 at LIVE AID
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BELOW is image of Bono in FOR THE LOVE OF BEING IRISH. ………………………… PURCHASE AUTHOR SIGNED COPY
- Bono image in For the Love of Being Irish
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WATCH: A Short History of Ireland
Want to learn more about Ireland? See these images and more in the acclaimed For the Love of Being Irish
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This history is written by Irish author, business keynote speaker and award winning humorist IrishmanSpeaks – Conor Cunneen. If you spot any inaccuracies or wish to make a comment, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the comment button.
Visit Conor’s YouTube channel IrishmanSpeaks to Laugh and Learn.
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