July 12

Battle of the Boyne between James II and William III Image Ireland Calling

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1660 Sir Mark Rainsford was born in Dublin on this day. He was the Lord Mayor of Dublin but is more notable for being the man who founded the brewery in St James’ Gate. Rainsford produced and sold fine ales and beers, and founded the brewery to expand his business.
Sir_Mark_Rainsford-photo-Emily-A-Buckland-CC3-Image-Ireland-Calling
It was passed down through the family until Rainsford’s grandson, also called Mark, agreed to the now famous 9,000 year lease to Arthur Guinness. The Guinness brand has gone on to become one of the most recognisable and iconic drinks in the world. The original lease with signatures is now on show at the Guinness Storehouse.

Read more about the Guinness Storehouse

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1690 Today is marked as the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, and is an event that can still cause tensions in Ireland. The Battle of the Boyne took place in 1690, and was a significant conflict in the Williamite War in Ireland.
Battle-of-the-Boyne-between-James-II-and-William-III Image Ireland Calling
The actual date of the battle was the 1st of July in the old Julian Calendar, which would make it the 11th July in the new Gregorian Calendar that is still used today. However, ‘the Twelfth’ is the day that is marked as the commemoration.
William of Orange was victorious in the battle against King James II, and a long period of Protestant dominance in Ireland was begun.
Ever since the battle, Protestants have celebrated on ‘the Twelfth’ and this sometimes led to conflicts with Catholics.
Click here to read more about Irish history

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1945 Happy birthday to Jimmy Greeley, born in Dublin on this day in 1945. He is a veteran radio broadcaster and presenter, and has worked on numerous stations and shows throughout his career. He retired from radio broadcasting in 2012 to pursue other projects included work as a voice over artist.

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1946 Happy birthday to Seán Keane, born on this day in Dublin in 1946. He is a brilliant fiddler and has been part of the legendary Irish folk band the Chieftains for nearly half a century.
Click here to read more about the Chieftains

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1949 Douglas Hyde died on this day in 1949. He was an Irish nationalist and is a significant figure in the country’s history. Hyde was the founder of the Gaelic League and was also the first man to become President of Ireland.
Hyde was extremely proud of the Irish language and was a great admirer of the Irish writers and poets that had gone before him.
Douglas Hyde, For the first time in Ireland within my recollection Image copyright Ireland Calling
Read more about Douglas Hyde and his achievements 
Read some of the best Douglas Hyde quotes

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1954 Happy birthday to Brian Cody, born in Kilkenny on this day in 1954. He is an Irish hurling legend, and has managed the Kilkenny senior side since 1998. Cody also played for his home town club in the 1970s and 80s, and won the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship three times.
Since taking over as manager, Cody has cemented his place as a great in Kilkenny by leading his team to another ten All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships, as of 2014.
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