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On this day

November 2

1180
Deaths

November 2, 1180

Death of St. Laurence O'Toole, Archbishop of Dublin

Saint Laurence O'Toole, the first native-born Archbishop of Dublin, passed away on November 2, 1180, in Eu, Normandy. Born Lorcán Ua Tuathail, he played a crucial role in the Irish Church during a period of significant change, including the Norman invasion. He was instrumental in reforming the monastic life and promoting the Gregorian reforms within the Irish Church. His diplomatic efforts were vital in mediating between the Irish and Anglo-Norman forces. Canonized in 1225, he remains the patron saint of Dublin, revered for his piety and statesmanship.

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1775
Births

November 2, 1775

Birth of Daniel O'Connell, "The Liberator"

On November 2, 1775, Daniel O'Connell, one of Ireland's most influential political leaders, was born in Cahersiveen, County Kerry. Known as "The Liberator," he championed Catholic Emancipation, a movement that sought to remove discriminatory laws against Catholics in Ireland and the United Kingdom. His efforts led to the Catholic Relief Act of 1829, which granted Catholics the right to sit in Parliament. O'Connell later campaigned for the repeal of the Act of Union, which had abolished the Irish Parliament. His peaceful methods of mass mobilization and political agitation left a lasting legacy on Irish nationalism.

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1986
Politics

November 2, 1986

Sinn Féin Votes to End Abstentionism in Dáil Éireann

On November 2, 1986, a pivotal Sinn Féin Árd Fheis (annual conference) took place, where delegates voted to amend the party's constitution, allowing elected members to take their seats in Dáil Éireann, the parliament of the Republic of Ireland. This decision marked a significant shift from the party's long-standing policy of abstentionism, which had been in place since 1922. The change was controversial and led to a split within the party, with some members forming Republican Sinn Féin. This move was a crucial step in Sinn Féin's evolution towards a more mainstream political strategy.

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