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1882 James Joyce was born in Dublin on this day in 1882. He is regarded as one of the best writers ever to come from Ireland, for his use of the ‘stream of consciousness’ technique.
His most famous work were Ulysses and Finnegan’s Wake, which was based on the popular folk song of the same name.
Click here to read some of the best James Joyce quotes
Click here to read more about the song Finnegan’s Wake
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1936 Tony Ryan was born on this day in County Kildare in 1936. He was the co-founder of Irish airline, Ryanair.
It was one of numerous companies that Ryan set up, and he was named as the 7th richest man in Ireland in 2007, with an estimated wealth of very successful €1.5bn.
Fascinating Aida performing Cheap Flights with subtitles
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1972 Funerals were held for eleven of the people killed on Bloody Sunday. It was declared a National Day of Mourning, and many shops remained closed. There were church services throughout Ireland.
Over 30,000 people marched to the British Embassy in Dublin, carrying thirteen replica coffins and black flags. The marchers main demand was for British withdrawal from the North. Initially peaceful, the demonstation turned violent and the British Embassy was attacked with petrol bombs and burnt to the ground.
Video from the BBC reporting march and the British Embassy burning in Dublin.
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1979 Happy birthday to Christine Bleakley, born in County Down on this day in 1979. She was a familiar face on British television in the 2000s, presenting shows such as Dancing on Ice, Daybreak, Text Santa and The One Show.
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1990 Happy birthday to Irish rally driver, Craig Breen, born on this day in 1990. He won the 2012 WRC Super 2000 world rally championship, with winning races in Wales, Spain, France and Monte Carlo.
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2001 On this day in 2001 Edna O’Brien is given the lifetime achievement award from Irish PEN for her outstanding contribution to Irish literature over 25 years.
Ever since O’Brien had the widely acclaimed Country Girls published in 1960, she has consistently written bestsellers.
Click here to read about more great Irish writers
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Feast Day – February 2
Today is Candlemas Day, which is a Christian celebration of the day that baby Jesus was presented at the Temple. It coincides with another Christian tradition, of churching a mother with a blessing after she has recovered from childbirth (It was 40 days from the birth of Jesus).
Find out the history and superstitions of Candlemas here.
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