McNABB, Vincent (1868–1943), Catholic controversialist, was born Joseph McNabb on 8 July 1868 in Portaferry, Co. Down, tenth child of James McNabb, master mariner, and his wife Ann (née Shields) of Rathmullan, Co. Donegal. Joseph was educated at St Malachy’s College, Belfast, where he won several scholarships, and St Cuthbert’s Grammar School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. In November … Read more
As Catríona Crowe of the National Archives explained in the May/June 2008 issue of History Ireland, the 1901 and 1911 census returns for the entire island of Ireland have been available for public research for over 40 years. In outlining the National Archives programme for the digitisation of the 1911 census, Catríona detailed the type … Read more
St Bridget’s Church of Ireland church in Kiltubrid was in danger of falling into dereliction when the local community mounted a fund-raising campaign to save the building. Sited on the shores of Lough Scur with its back to the Iron Mountains, the tiny church, surrounded by a graveyard and enclosed by an old stone wall, … Read more
It was a flight that he claimed was ‘accidental’ that earned him the nickname ‘Wrong Way’ Corrigan, as well as a ticker-tape parade in New York, a Hollywood movie about his life and a best-selling book. Born on 22 January 1907, Douglas Corrigan won first prize in a local baby contest at the tender age … Read more
In 1997, shortly after the Labour Party’s victory in the British general election, the newly appointed foreign secretary, Robin Cook, received a courtesy visit from Bertie Ahern. The taoiseach entered Cook’s office but immediately walked out again on seeing a painting of Oliver Cromwell in the room. He refused to return until somebody removed the … Read more