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 – 4th November 1971
Publication date:
November 4, 2021
Reference date:
19711104
Stories Included:
1971: Faulkner defends Unionist majority rule while acknowledging minority rights, two RUC officers are killed in Belfast and Catholic priests demand an inquiry into torture allegations
Latest On This Day Posts
Published: August 23, 2021
On This Day – 23rd August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: An inquest examines Constable Timothy Galvin’s killing while Presbyterian minister Rev James Irwin receives a mild rebuke over his political activities in America
Published: August 21, 2021
On This Day – 21st August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: Edward Heath and Jack Lynch clash over Northern Ireland as Catholic representatives resign their Derry positions and John Hume calls for an anti-repression rally
Published: August 20, 2021
On This Day – 20th August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: An inquest into the death of 13-year-old Mary McGowan finds that she died after being fired at by the Special Constabulary
Published: August 19, 2021
On This Day – 19th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: John Hume and Ivan Cooper are arrested as opposition to internment deepens, Catholic UDR members consider resigning and Gerry Fitt backs civil protest
Published: August 18, 2021
On This Day – 18th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: Fresh allegations of detainee mistreatment deepen opposition to internment as Cardinal Conway and released prisoners challenge the conduct of the security forces
Published: August 17, 2021
On This Day – 17th August 1921
Stories Included:
1921: The Raglan Street ambush inquest hears dramatic testimony as six B Specials are charged in connection with the killing of a County Tyrone farmer
Published: August 16, 2021
On This Day – 16th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: Civil disobedience against internment gathers support, priests rescue an off-duty RUC officer in Derry and Cardinal Conway condemns internment without trial
Published: August 14, 2021
On This Day – 14th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: Joe Cahill appears before the world press, the Army claims the IRA is nearly defeated and Brian Faulkner attacks Jack Lynch’s government
Published: August 13, 2021
On This Day – 13th August 1971
Stories Included:
1971: Jack Lynch calls for Stormont’s replacement as Fr Hugh Mullan is buried, political protests widen and detention orders continue after internment
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
On This Day Posts by Year
Please select a year to see the series of articles written by Éamon.
Latest On This Day Posts
(384 Posts)
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
Published: July 30, 2021
On This Day – 30th July 1921
Stories Included:
1921: Assembly’s College in Belfast is selected as the first home of Northern Ireland’s Parliament while Lloyd George expresses optimism about achieving peace in Ireland
Published: July 29, 2021
On This Day – 29th July 1921
Stories Included:
1921: Countess Markievicz is released from prison while Britain’s negotiations with Sinn Féin come under sustained attack from Conservative opponents of the peace process
Published: July 28, 2021
On This Day – 28th July 1921
Stories Included:
1921: American relief delegates inspect the destruction caused by Belfast’s sectarian violence and pledge support for families left homeless by the unrest
Published: July 27, 2021
On This Day – 27th July 1921
Stories Included:
1921: Éamon de Valera returns from London to consult colleagues while British peace proposals are assessed in Dublin and Belfast during the Truce
Published: July 26, 2021
On This Day – 26th July 1971
Stories Included:
1971: Mass Army dawn raids spark fears of impending internment while John Hume warns repression will deepen Northern Ireland’s political crisis
Published: July 24, 2021
On This Day – 24th July 1971
Stories Included:
1971: Derry ex-servicemen burn their medals in protest as an independent inquiry begins into the Bogside shootings and new hopes emerge for the city’s future
Published: July 23, 2021
On This Day – 23rd July 1921
Stories Included:
1921: Eoin O’Duffy reports that the Truce is largely holding across Ulster, despite continued intimidation, sectarian violence and provocative actions by the Specials