yesterday.ie
← All Dates

On this day

August 1

1829
Sports

August 1, 1829

Founding of the Ancient Tailteann Games

The ancient Tailteann Games were founded, according to the Book of Invasions, by Lugh Lámhfhada as a mourning ceremony for his foster-mother Tailtiu. The event was held during the last fortnight of July and culminated with the celebration of Lughnasadh (August 1). Modern folklore claims the games started around 1600 BC, with some sources claiming as far back as 1829 BC. Promotional literature for the 1924 revival claimed a later date of 632 BC.

Read the full story →
1915
Politics

August 1, 1915

Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa's Funeral and Pearse's Oration

On August 1, 1915, the funeral of Fenian leader Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa took place in Dublin. This event was meticulously orchestrated by Irish separatists, including the Irish Republican Brotherhood and Irish Volunteers, as a powerful demonstration of nationalist sentiment. Patrick Pearse delivered a stirring graveside oration, famously declaring, 'Ireland unfree shall never be at peace.' The funeral served as a significant rallying point, showcasing the growing strength of the militant nationalist movement and foreshadowing the Easter Rising of 1916.

Read the full story →
1928
Sports

August 1, 1928

Dr. Pat O'Callaghan Wins Olympic Gold (Hammer Throw)

Dr. Pat O'Callaghan won the gold medal in the hammer throw at the Amsterdam Olympic Games, becoming one of Ireland's first Olympic champions in athletics.

Read the full story →
1932
Sports

August 1, 1932

Dr. Pat O'Callaghan and Robert Tisdall Win Olympic Gold

Dr. Pat O'Callaghan secured his second Olympic gold medal in the hammer throw, and Robert Tisdall won gold in the 400m hurdles at the Los Angeles Olympic Games, marking a golden era for Irish athletics.

Read the full story →
1980
Other

August 1, 1980

Buttevant Rail Disaster

On August 1, 1980, the Buttevant Rail Disaster occurred at Buttevant Railway Station in County Cork, Ireland. A Dublin-Cork express train, carrying approximately 230 bank holiday passengers, was mistakenly diverted into a siding due to incorrectly set points. The locomotive remained upright, but several carriages jack-knifed, resulting in the deaths of 18 people and injuring over 70 others. This tragic accident, one of Ireland's worst rail disasters, led to significant public pressure for improved rail safety and the phasing out of wooden-bodied coaches.

Read the full story →