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Dictionary of Irish Biography

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An authoritative reference work of nearly 11,000 lives for scholars of Irish history, society and culture from the Royal Irish Academy

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John McCafferty @jdmccafferty.bsky.social · Jul 16

Found this when looking for 17thC things. The joy of the freely accessible @historydib.bsky.social

www.dib.ie/index.php/bi...

www.dib.ie

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Dictionary of Irish Biography @historydib.bsky.social · Feb 19

A prominent cultural figure in post-war Dublin, John Ryan (b. #OTD 1925)owned the Bailey on Duke St. Frequented by writers & artists, the establishment became renowned for its connections with a motley group of writers including Brendan Behan & Anthony Cronin. www.dib.ie/biography/ry... #DIBLives

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Dictionary of Irish Biography @historydib.bsky.social · Feb 18

Limerickman George Browne, soldier of fortune, had an extraordinary life: he was a galley slave, governor of Livonia for Catherine the Great, he lost part of his skull in war and he carried a coffin with him for 10 years in protest. He died #OTD 1792. dib.ie/biography/br... #DIBLives

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Dictionary of Irish Biography @historydib.bsky.social · Feb 17

Eliza Gilbert (aka Lola Montez), born #OTD 1820, had a life so colourful it can’t be captured in one post - she carried a bullwhip, pursued Franz Liszt, crashed a male-only banquet to dance on the tables and toasted a mob with champagne & chocolate. www.dib.ie/biography/gi... #DIBLives

Eliza Gilbert (aka Lola Montez), born on this day in 1820, had a life so colourful it can’t be captured in one post - she carried a bullwhip, pursued Franz Liszt, crashed a male-only banquet to dance on the tables and toasted a mob with champagne & chocolate.

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Dictionary of Irish Biography @historydib.bsky.social · Feb 14

Handsome and composed, with the attire & manners of a gentleman, it was rumoured that Queen Marie Antoinette herself appealed for pirate Luke Ryan to be released from Newgate prison when he was to be executed in 1782. He was born #OTD 1750. www.dib.ie/biography/ry... #DIBLives

Handsome and composed, with the attire & manners of a gentleman, it was rumoured that Marie Antoinette herself appealed for pirate Luke Ryan to be released from Newgate prison when he was to be executed in 1782. He was born on this day 1750.

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Dictionary of Irish Biography @historydib.bsky.social · Feb 12

‘A principled lawyer & honest man.' #OTD 1989 solicitor Pat Finucane was shot dead in front of his family by UFF gunmen at his home in Belfast. He was the 1st defence lawyer killed in the Troubles & his death was recognised as a blow to the whole judicial system. www.dib.ie/biography/fi... #DIBLives

‘A principled lawyer & honest man.' ON this day 1989 solicitor Pat Finucane was shot dead in front of his family by UFF gunmen at his home in Belfast. He was the 1st defence lawyer killed in the Troubles & his death was recognised as a blow to the whole judicial system.

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Dictionary of Irish Biography @historydib.bsky.social · Feb 11

“You have disgraced yourselves again. Is this to be an ever recurring celebration of the arrival of Irish genius?” (W.B. Yeats) #OTD 1926 audiences rioted when Sean O’Casey’s The Plough and the Stars was performed in the Abbey Theatre. www.dib.ie/biography/oc... #DIBLives

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Dictionary of Irish Biography @historydib.bsky.social · Feb 10

Born #OTD 1842 Agnes Mary Clerke was the first woman admitted to the all-male Royal Astronomical Society. Her analyses were so reliable, thoughtful and wide reaching that she became a revered authority, and a lunar crater has been named to commemorate her. www.dib.ie/biography/cl... #DIBLives

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Dictionary of Irish Biography @historydib.bsky.social · Feb 7

Although veterinary surgeon Aleen Cust was first in her class in 1900, she wasn't permitted to sit the RCVS exams due to her gender. Following passage of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act she took the exam, becoming the 1st female member of the RCVS in 1922. www.dib.ie/biography/cu... #DIBLives

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Dictionary of Irish Biography @historydib.bsky.social · Feb 6

'One of the great Irish bluesmen. His playing was exceptional & beautiful. We won't see his like again.' Gary Moore's (d. #OTD 2011) combination of virtuosity & soulfulness could mesmerise audiences & was much admired by fellow guitarists. www.dib.ie/biography/mo... #DIBLives

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