yesterday.ie
← All Dates

On this day

December 2

1791
Deaths

December 2, 1791

Death of Henry Flood, Irish Statesman

On December 2, 1791, Henry Flood, a prominent Irish statesman and a leading figure in the Patriot movement, died in County Kilkenny. Flood was a powerful orator and parliamentarian who championed legislative independence for the Irish Parliament from Great Britain. His efforts significantly influenced the political landscape of 18th-century Ireland, advocating for reforms such as shorter parliamentary terms and reduced pension lists. Despite a period of controversy when he accepted a ministerial position, his early work laid crucial groundwork for later movements seeking greater Irish autonomy.

Read the full story →
1802
Births

December 2, 1802

Birth of Sir Dominic Corrigan, Physician

Sir Dominic John Corrigan, a distinguished Irish physician, was born in Dublin on December 2, 1802. He is widely recognized for his groundbreaking observations in heart disease, particularly his description of the 'water hammer pulse' (Corrigan's pulse), a diagnostic sign of aortic regurgitation. Corrigan's contributions to medicine extended beyond his clinical work; he was also a Member of Parliament for Dublin and actively campaigned for educational reforms and the release of Fenian prisoners, demonstrating a commitment to both public health and social justice in Ireland.

Read the full story →
1999
Politics

December 2, 1999

Good Friday Agreement Comes into Effect

On December 2, 1999, the Good Friday Agreement, officially known as the Belfast Agreement, formally came into effect. This landmark accord, signed in April 1998, was a crucial step in the Northern Ireland peace process, aiming to end decades of conflict. Its implementation led to the establishment of devolved government in Northern Ireland, power-sharing arrangements, and a framework for future political stability. The agreement was a result of extensive negotiations between the British and Irish governments and political parties in Northern Ireland, marking a new era of cooperation and reconciliation.

Read the full story →