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On this day

June 9

597
Deaths

June 9, 597

Death of Saint Columba

On June 9, 597 AD, Saint Columba, also known as Colmcille, an influential Irish abbot and missionary, died on the island of Iona. Credited with spreading Christianity to Scotland and founding numerous monasteries in Ireland, including Derry, Durrow, and Kells, Columba was a pivotal figure in early Irish and Scottish ecclesiastical history. His abbey on Iona became a significant religious and political center for centuries. His feast day is still celebrated on June 9th, recognizing his profound impact on Celtic Christianity and his legacy as one of Ireland's patron saints.

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1798
Battles

June 9, 1798

Battle of Arklow

The Battle of Arklow took place on June 9, 1798, during the Irish Rebellion. A force of approximately 10,000 United Irishmen from Wexford and Wicklow, led by figures such as Billy Byrne and Anthony Perry, launched an attack on the town of Arklow. The rebels aimed to advance on Dublin but were met with fierce resistance from Crown forces. Despite their numerical superiority, the rebels suffered a decisive defeat, largely due to their lack of artillery and the disciplined defense of the British troops. This battle was a significant setback for the 1798 Rebellion in County Wicklow.

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1910
Sports

June 9, 1910

Irish Professional Championship Format Change

The Irish Professional Championship transitioned from a match-play format to stroke play in 1910. Michael Moran won the first stroke-play championship at Royal Dublin by 10 strokes.

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1918
Politics

June 9, 1918

Lá na mBan Anti-Conscription Protest

On June 9, 1918, Irishwomen across the country participated in Lá na mBan (Women's Day), a mass anti-conscription protest. Organized by Cumann na mBan and other women's groups, this demonstration saw thousands of women sign a solemn pledge against the British government's attempt to impose conscription in Ireland during World War I. The protest was a powerful display of female political agency and national sentiment, with an estimated two-thirds of Irishwomen signing the pledge. This event highlighted the significant role women played in the broader Irish independence movement and resistance to British policy.

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