Today In Irish History

June 12: TODAY in Irish History:

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Today in Irish History: Curated by Conor Cunneen IrishmanSpeaks

Chicago Motivational Humorous Business Speaker, Author and History buff.

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1798: The 1798 rebellion continues but things do not go well for Irish rebels. Over two days, Irish deaths run to 400 at the Battle of Ballynahinch, Co. Antrim. English forces lose 40 men. Most of the Irish rebels were Presbyterian, a faith that also was strongly discriminated against at the time. For more on the Battle of Ballynahinch

Battle of Ballynahinch by Thomas Robinson

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1945: Pat Jennings is born in Newry, Co. Down and would go on to become one of the finest goalkeepers the soccer world has seen and become the first player to make 1,000 senior appearances in English football when he lines out for Arsenal at West Bromwich Albion.

Pat Jennings in action for Arsenal. The player on left is Dublin born Dave O’Leary

The gentle giant (with huge hands) played for Watford, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in a career that culminated when playing in the World Cup in Mexico. Quite possibly the best goalkeeper in the world when in his prime, the Newry born Jennings played 119 times for Northern Ireland. In 1973, Jennings saved two penalties against Liverpool in the one game and was voted Footballer of the Year. Jennings was inducted into the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame (even though he finished his career playing for arch-rivals Arsenal) and today does hospitality work for the club.

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Pat Jennings scores goal against Manchester United in 1967 Charity Shield

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1961: Dublin goes crazy as Princess Grace of Monaco and husband Prince Ranier visit Ireland on a state visit. As many as 30,000 people turned out to catch a glimpse of the fairytale princess. View video at  RTE archives.

Grace kelly in studio publicity shot

Grace Kelly was born in Philadelphia to John Brendan “Jack” Kelly, and his wife, Margaret September 12 1929.

Princess Grace, daughter Caroline and De Valera

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1963: Death of Admiral of the Fleet Andrew Browne Cunningham, 1st Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope who was born in Rathmines, Dublin in 1883. Cunningham commanded a destroyer during WWI and was Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet during WWII playing major roles in the invasion of Africa and Sicily. His importance to the Allied cause is evidenced by his attendance at the Yalta and Potsdam conferences with Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin.

Andrew Cunningham standing behind Churchill at Yalta. It is obvious how ill Roosevelt is.

Cunningham’s brother General Sir Alan Gordon Cunningham had a distinguished military history also including being the last British High Commissioner for Palestine.

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2003: Death of screen legend Gregory Peck whose father was of Irish heritage.

Gregory Peck 1916-2003

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Want to learn more about Ireland? See these images and more in the acclaimed For the Love of Being Irish

BUY Quality Quality Guinness and Ireland Rugby Shirts

For the Love of Being Irish written by Chicago based Corkman Conor Cunneen and illustrated by Mark Anderson which is an A-Z of all things Irish. This is a book that contains History, Horror, Humor, Passion, Pathos and Lyrical Limericks that will have you giving thanks (or wishing you were) For the Love of Being Irish

Watch For the Love of Being Irish author Conor Cunneen – IrishmanSpeaks on his Youtube channel IrishmanSpeaks. Laugh and Learn.

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This history is written by Irish author, business keynote speaker and award winning humoristIrishmanSpeaks – 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 IrishmanSpeaksto Laugh and Learn. Tags: Best Irish Gift, Creative Irish Gift, Unique Irish Gifts, Irish Books, Irish Authors, Today in Irish HistoryTODAY IN IRISH HISTORY (published by IrishmanSpeaks)