Today In Irish History

October 9: TODAY in Irish History:

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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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1895: VC Winner William Frederick “Billy” McFadzean

Victoria Cross winner Billy McFadzean is born in Lurgan, Co. Armagh. He was awarded the VC posthumously for his bravery on July 1 1916 at the Battle of the Somme.

McFadzean’s VC citation reads:

“For most conspicuous bravery. While in a concentration trench and opening a box of bombs for distribution prior to an attack, the box slipped down into the trench, which was crowded with men, and two of the safety pins fell out. Private ‘McFadzean, instantly realising the danger to his comrades, with heroic courage threw himself on the top of the Bombs.
The bombs exploded blowing him to pieces, but only one other man was injured. He well knew his danger, being himself a bomber, but without a moment’s hesitation he gave his life for his comrades.”

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READ: More on Irish Victoria Cross winner Billy McFadzean VC

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 1946: The Iceman Cometh

Eugene O’Neill’s magnificent play The Iceman Cometh premieres in New York City. O’Neill was the son of Irish immigrant actor James O’Neill and Mary Ellen Quinn who were characterized in O’Neill’s autobiographical Long Day’s Journey Into Night. 

The play features “Hickey” a charismatic salesman whose buoyant personality always ensures a good time for his hard drinking buddies. The play revolves around a reformed Hickey encouraging his fellow drinkers to change with heartbreaking consequences. Described by the New York Times as a “ferocious American classic,” the play runs for over four hours.

Al Pacino recites from The Iceman Cometh

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READ: More on Eugene O’Neill at PBS

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1965: USA whips Britain and Ireland in Ryder Cup.

The British and Irish Ryder Cup golf team featuring Irishmen Christy O’Connor and Jimmy Martin were beaten 19 ½ to 12 ½ at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. It was not until 1979 that the countries of continental Europe were invited to play as part of an expanded European team.

Irish golfer Christy O’Connor was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame 2009. O’Connor played in every Ryder Cup from 1955 through 1973 – 10 appearances as a player.

READ: Christy O’Connor at World Golf Hall of Fame

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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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