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On this day

March 4

1804
Battles

March 4, 1804

Castle Hill Convict Rebellion

On March 4, 1804, over 200 Irish convicts, led by Kerry-born United Irishman Philip Cunningham, escaped from Castle Hill government farm in New South Wales, Australia. Their aim was to march to Sydney, seize ships, and return to Ireland. The rebellion, dubbed 'the second Battle of Vinegar Hill', was quickly suppressed by British troops. Fifteen rebels were killed, and Cunningham, along with eight others, was hanged. This event underscores the enduring desire for freedom among Irish exiles.

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1867
Battles

March 4, 1867

Fenian Rising

On March 4, 1867, the Fenian Rising, an attempt by the Irish Republican Brotherhood to overthrow British rule in Ireland, commenced with scattered outbreaks across several counties, most notably in Tallaght, County Dublin. Despite meticulous planning, the rebellion ultimately failed due to poor coordination, insufficient arms, and British intelligence infiltration. Many participants were arrested, and the rising, though unsuccessful, demonstrated a persistent nationalist sentiment and contributed to the ongoing struggle for Irish independence.

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1972
Battles

March 4, 1972

Abercorn Bar Bombing

On March 4, 1972, a Provisional IRA bomb detonated without warning in the crowded Abercorn Bar in Belfast's city centre. The attack resulted in the deaths of two women and injuries to approximately 70 others, many of whom suffered severe limb loss. This devastating incident was a stark example of the violence that characterized the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The lack of warning amplified the tragedy, causing widespread condemnation and highlighting the indiscriminate nature of such acts during the conflict.

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