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December 19

1919
Battles

December 19, 1919

IRA Lieutenant Martin Savage Killed in Ashtown Ambush

On December 19, 1919, IRA Lieutenant Martin Savage was killed during an ambush in Ashtown, County Dublin, as part of the Irish War of Independence. Savage and a group of Volunteers attempted to assassinate Lord French, the British Viceroy, as his convoy traveled from Ashtown railway station to Phoenix Park. Unbeknownst to the attackers, Lord French was in the first car, which passed through the initial blockade. During the ensuing gun battle with the remaining cars of the convoy, Savage was mortally wounded in the neck. He died in the arms of fellow Volunteer Dan Breen, becoming a significant casualty in the early stages of the conflict.

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1922
Battles

December 19, 1922

Seven Republicans Executed at Curragh Camp

On December 19, 1922, during the Irish Civil War, seven anti-Treaty IRA members were executed by firing squad at the Curragh Camp in County Kildare. These executions were carried out by the Free State government in response to ongoing guerrilla warfare and attacks on government forces. The men, all from County Kildare, were among the largest group of Republicans executed on a single day during the conflict. This event underscored the harsh realities and deep divisions of the Civil War, as the Free State sought to assert its authority and suppress opposition to the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

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1974
Politics

December 19, 1974

Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh Inaugurated as Fifth President of Ireland

On December 19, 1974, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh was inaugurated as the fifth President of Ireland. A distinguished legal scholar and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Ó Dálaigh assumed office following the death of President Erskine Childers. His inauguration took place in St. Patrick's Hall at Dublin Castle. Ó Dálaigh's presidency, though relatively short, was marked by his commitment to the Irish language and his independent stance on political matters, often leading to tensions with the government of the day.

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2020
Sports

December 19, 2020

All-Ireland Final Played Behind Closed Doors

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final was played behind closed doors, a unique and somber moment in the history of the competition. Despite the lack of spectators, Dublin secured their historic six-in-a-row title.

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2020
Sports

December 19, 2020

Dublin's Six-in-a-Row

Dublin achieved an unprecedented feat in 2020 by winning their sixth consecutive All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title. This historic 'six-in-a-row' cemented their status as one of the greatest teams in Gaelic football history.

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