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March 27

1599
Politics

March 27, 1599

Robert Devereux Appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland

On March 27, 1599, Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He was tasked with quelling the Nine Years' War, a major rebellion led by Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. Despite leading the largest English army ever sent to Ireland, Essex's campaign proved disastrous. He deviated from his orders, engaged in inconclusive skirmishes, and eventually made a truce with O'Neill, which angered Queen Elizabeth. His failure in Ireland significantly damaged his reputation and ultimately contributed to his downfall and execution for treason in 1601.

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1872
Births

March 27, 1872

Birth of Mary MacSwiney, Irish Republican Activist

Mary MacSwiney, a prominent Irish republican, feminist, and educator, was born on March 27, 1872, in London, England. The elder sister of Terence MacSwiney, the Lord Mayor of Cork who died on hunger strike, Mary became a dedicated activist for Irish independence. She was a staunch opponent of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and a leading figure in the anti-Treaty Sinn Féin. Her political career included serving as a TD (Teachta Dála) in Dáil Éireann and enduring imprisonment for her republican activities. MacSwiney was also a vocal advocate for women's rights within the republican movement.

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1896
Sports

March 27, 1896

Most One-Sided All-Ireland Final

Tipperary secured their second consecutive Munster title and faced Dublin in the All-Ireland final. Tipperary scored a goal in the first minute and led 4–6 to 0–1 at halftime, ultimately winning 8–14 to 0–4. This game remains the most one-sided All-Ireland final of all time.

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1972
Other

March 27, 1972

Noyek's Timber Merchants Fire in Dublin

On March 27, 1972, a devastating fire broke out at Noyek's timber merchants on Parnell Street in Dublin, Ireland. The blaze, which started in the ground-floor showroom, quickly engulfed the building. Tragically, eight people lost their lives in the inferno, including seven young women and one man. The fire was believed to have been caused by a can of highly flammable adhesive overturning near a gas fire. This incident remains one of Dublin's most tragic industrial accidents, highlighting the dangers of workplace safety and the rapid spread of fire in commercial premises.

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