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February 20

1914
Other

February 20, 1914

Fethard-on-Sea Lifeboat Disaster

On February 20, 1914, the Fethard-on-Sea, County Wexford, lifeboat "Helen Blake" capsized while attempting to assist the schooner "Mexico" off the treacherous Keeragh Islands. The disaster resulted in the tragic drowning of nine of the fourteen-man volunteer crew. This maritime tragedy deeply affected the local community and highlighted the immense dangers faced by lifeboat crews in their selfless efforts to save lives at sea. It remains one of the most significant lifeboat disasters in Irish history.

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1921
Battles

February 20, 1921

Clonmult Ambush

On February 20, 1921, during the Irish War of Independence, the Clonmult Ambush occurred near Midleton, County Cork. Crown forces surrounded a disused farmhouse where an East Cork IRA flying column was quartered. In the ensuing engagement, twelve IRA Volunteers were killed, and eight others were captured. This event represented the greatest single loss of life for the IRA in one action throughout the conflict. The ambush was a significant blow to the republican forces in the region and highlighted the intense nature of the guerrilla warfare being waged against British rule in Ireland.

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1979
Politics

February 20, 1979

Shankill Butchers Conviction

On February 20, 1979, eleven members of the notorious Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) gang, known as the "Shankill Butchers," were convicted of 112 offences. These included nineteen murders, primarily of Catholic civilians, along with attempted murders, kidnappings, and bomb explosions. The gang operated in Belfast during The Troubles, carrying out sectarian killings, often involving extreme brutality. Their convictions brought a measure of justice for their victims and exposed the horrific nature of paramilitary violence during the conflict.

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