On This Day
One of the many things Dr Éamon was renowned for was his On This Day column in the Irish News.
Expertly chosen, the column chose a day in history and brought it in its significance to the modern reader.
The column was usually placed down the right-hand side of a news or features page, and the page number varied from edition to edition.
But wherever it was placed, the mix was variously enlightening, eclectic, sometimes sad, but always interesting.
Éamon loved doing the column, from the 1980s right up to late 2022. On This Day continues in the Irish News to this day under a new author.
These items are an invaluable historical record – old reports curated by an expert and brought to life again in modern media.
Over time we plan to greatly add to this collection of Éamon’s On This Day contributions. We are very thankful to Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and the Magill Trust for funding this project.
Please note: The Foundation has worked hard to recreate Eamon’s distinctive voice through AI. Since this is an emerging technology, occasional imperfections may be audible.
On This Day – 12th August 1971
Publication date:
August 12, 2021
Reference date:
19710812
Stories Included:
1971: As the death toll rises, thousands flee Belfast and Bryson Street is abandoned while growing criticism is directed at the handling of internment
Latest On This Day Posts
Published: August 12, 2021
On This Day – 12th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: As the death toll rises, thousands flee Belfast and Bryson Street is abandoned while growing criticism is directed at the handling of internment
Published: August 11, 2021
On This Day – 11th August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: Seán MacEoin’s release eases fears for the peace negotiations as Dáil members leave internment camps and prison conditions come under scrutiny
Published: August 10, 2021
On This Day – 10th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: The aftermath of internment brings killings, mass arrests, burned homes and a growing humanitarian crisis as Northern Ireland descends into violence
Published: August 9, 2021
On This Day – 9th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: Violence escalates across Belfast as peace appeals over the Derry march accompany stark warnings that Northern Ireland is approaching disaster
Published: August 7, 2021
On This Day – 7th August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: The continued detention of Seán MacEoin threatens the Truce and peace negotiations as Denis Henry is appointed Northern Ireland’s first Lord Chief Justice
Published: August 6, 2021
On This Day – 6th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: John Hume argues that Partition failed to unite people as bombings, protest clashes and criticism of the British Army underline growing tensions
Published: August 5, 2021
On This Day – 5th August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: Éamon de Valera champions the Irish language at the Gaelic League Ard Fheis, urging action to protect native speakers and strengthen the Gaeltacht
Published: August 4, 2021
On This Day – 4th August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: James Craig is honoured at Westminster as senior British politicians praise his leadership and his role in establishing the new Northern Ireland government
Published: August 3, 2021
On This Day – 3rd August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: A judge examines the devastating destruction of Catholic property in Lisburn while the death of a young Special Constable reveals a remarkable IRA connection
Published: August 2, 2021
On This Day – 2nd August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: IRA and RIC members cooperate during a peace pilgrimage as Bishop MacRory calls for self-determination and Belfast raises funds for refugees
On This Day Posts by Year
Please select a year to see the series of articles written by Éamon.
Latest On This Day Posts
Published: August 11, 2021
On This Day – 11th August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: Seán MacEoin’s release eases fears for the peace negotiations as Dáil members leave internment camps and prison conditions come under scrutiny
Published: August 10, 2021
On This Day – 10th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: The aftermath of internment brings killings, mass arrests, burned homes and a growing humanitarian crisis as Northern Ireland descends into violence
Published: August 9, 2021
On This Day – 9th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: Violence escalates across Belfast as peace appeals over the Derry march accompany stark warnings that Northern Ireland is approaching disaster
Published: August 7, 2021
On This Day – 7th August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: The continued detention of Seán MacEoin threatens the Truce and peace negotiations as Denis Henry is appointed Northern Ireland’s first Lord Chief Justice
Published: August 6, 2021
On This Day – 6th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: John Hume argues that Partition failed to unite people as bombings, protest clashes and criticism of the British Army underline growing tensions
Published: August 5, 2021
On This Day – 5th August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: Éamon de Valera champions the Irish language at the Gaelic League Ard Fheis, urging action to protect native speakers and strengthen the Gaeltacht
Published: August 4, 2021
On This Day – 4th August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: James Craig is honoured at Westminster as senior British politicians praise his leadership and his role in establishing the new Northern Ireland government
Published: August 3, 2021
On This Day – 3rd August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: A judge examines the devastating destruction of Catholic property in Lisburn while the death of a young Special Constable reveals a remarkable IRA connection
Published: August 2, 2021
On This Day – 2nd August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: IRA and RIC members cooperate during a peace pilgrimage as Bishop MacRory calls for self-determination and Belfast raises funds for refugees
Published: July 31, 2021
On This Day – 31st July 1921
Stories Included:
1921: Labour condemns Belfast’s sectarian expulsions, a Special Constable is committed for trial, and another child victim dies following the city’s July violence