February 5: TODAY in Irish History (by IrishmanSpeaks) 
1868: Edmund Heelan, Bishop of Sioux City is born in County Limerick.
1921: In America, De Valera states “The so-called Ulster difficulty is purely artificial as far as Ireland itself is concerned. It is an accident arising out of the British connection and will disappear with it.”
1922: Cumann na mBan (Irishwomen’s Council) at the behest of Countess Markievicz votes overwhelmingly to reject the Treaty. During the civil war, over 400 members of the movement were arrested by the Free State Government.
Countess Markievicz
1941: Life in Ireland. In the Dail, in response to a question as to the number of persons in Cork City in receipt of benefit under the Unemployment Assistance Acts, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. Moylan) responds:
” The number of persons resident in the County Borough of Cork, who were paid unemployment assistance during the week ended 11th January, 1941, at the rates of 23 shillings (about $3), 22 shillings, 20 shillings was as follows:—
| Rate per week | Number of persons. |
| 23/- | 116 |
| 22/- | 116 |
| 20/- | 136 |
1928: Priest, sociologist and author, Fr. Andrew Greeley is born in Oakpark, Illinois to an Irish family. He has authored a number of international best sellers including The Cardinal Sins, a somewhat racy work with sales in excess of three million copies.
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 