yesterday.ie
← All Dates

On this day

April 7

1861
Other

April 7, 1861

First Irish Census to record religious denominations

The census conducted on April 7, 1861, marked a significant moment in Irish demographic history as it was the first to inquire into religious denominations across the island. The results revealed a population of 5.8 million, a decrease of 11.5% since 1851, largely due to the Great Famine and subsequent emigration. Of this total, approximately 4.5 million identified as Catholic, while Anglicans accounted for just under 700,000, with nearly two-thirds residing in Ulster. This census provided crucial insights into the religious and demographic landscape of Ireland in the mid-19th century, reflecting the profound societal changes of the era.

Read the full story →
1868
Deaths

April 7, 1868

Assassination of Thomas D'Arcy McGee

On April 7, 1868, Thomas D'Arcy McGee, a prominent Young Irelander, writer, and one of the Fathers of the Canadian Confederation, was assassinated in Ottawa. McGee, who had been a radical Irish nationalist in his youth, later became a strong advocate for Canadian nationhood and a critic of Fenianism. His assassination was carried out by Patrick J. Whelan, a Fenian sympathizer, highlighting the deep divisions and political tensions within the Irish diaspora and the broader political landscape of the time. This event marked a tragic end to a complex figure in both Irish and Canadian history.

Read the full story →
1922
Politics

April 7, 1922

Civil Authorities (Special Powers) Bill becomes law

On April 7, 1922, the Civil Authorities (Special Powers) Bill was enacted, granting the Minister for Home Affairs extensive powers to detain suspects and establish courts of summary jurisdiction. This legislation was introduced during a tumultuous period in Irish history, following the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the outbreak of the Irish Civil War. The bill aimed to maintain public order and suppress political unrest, particularly in Northern Ireland. Its provisions allowed for arrests without warrant, internment without trial, and the prohibition of public assemblies, significantly impacting civil liberties during a time of intense political and social upheaval.

Read the full story →