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August 26

1843
Politics

August 26, 1843

Monster Meeting at Loughrea

On August 26, 1843, Daniel O'Connell, known as 'The Liberator,' addressed a massive 'Monster Meeting' in Loughrea, County Galway. This gathering was part of his campaign for the repeal of the Act of Union, which had abolished the Irish Parliament. These large-scale, peaceful demonstrations showcased O'Connell's remarkable ability to mobilize tens of thousands of people in support of his political objectives, highlighting the widespread desire for legislative independence in Ireland during the 19th century.

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1913
Battles

August 26, 1913

Dublin Lock-out Begins

On August 26, 1913, the Dublin Lock-out, a major industrial dispute, commenced in Dublin, Ireland. Approximately 20,000 workers and 300 employers were involved in this conflict, which centered on the workers' right to unionize. The dispute, lasting until January 1914, is considered one of the most significant industrial disputes in Irish history. Employers, led by William Martin Murphy, sought to break the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU), while workers, under James Larkin, fought for better conditions and union recognition.

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1922
Battles

August 26, 1922

Civil War Violence Intensifies

On August 26, 1922, Anti-Treaty forces escalated their campaign of guerrilla warfare by launching attacks on several Free State positions across Munster. This marked a significant intensification of the Irish Civil War, which had erupted following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. The attacks occurred shortly after the death of Michael Collins, a key figure in the Free State government, and resulted in numerous casualties through ambushes and counter-attacks, further deepening the conflict and instability in the newly formed Irish Free State.

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