March 31

  • 2012 Mike Nesbitt (54) was elected leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.
  • 1976 The Cork–Dublin mail train was robbed of c. £150,000 near Sallins, Co. Kildare.
  • 1711 Eight women from nearby Island Magee were charged in Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, with witchcraft. All were found guilty and sentenced to twelve months in prison and ordered to stand four times in the pillory in Carrickfergus. It was the last trial for witchcraft held in Ireland.