1928 in Ireland - Definition and Overview

See also: 1927 in Ireland, other events of 1928, 1929 in Ireland and the list of 'years in Ireland'.

Events

• January 29 - In Belfast, members of the Opposition protest at the government's plan to abolish Proportional representation.
• January 31 - The outgoing Governor-General, T.M. Healy leaves the Vice-Regal Lodge. His successor is James McNeill.
• February 25 - William O'Brien, former activist in the Home Rule and land campaigns, dies in London aged 75.
• April 12 - The first east-west transatlantic flight leaves Baldonnel Aerodrome in Dublin. Commandant James Fitzmaurice is on board the Bremen.
• April 30 - Cheering crowds in New York greet the crew of the Bremen after it made the first east-west transatlantic journey.
• May 19 - The foundation stone of the new Northern Ireland Parliament Building is laid at Stormont.
• May 29 - It is suggested that the old Irish flag - that of a gold harp with a blue background - should be carried at the Olympic Games in Amsterdam. However, the Irish tricolour has already been registered as the national flag.
• June 14 - Amendments to the Court of Justice Bill state that certain judges cannot be appointed if they do not have a competent knowledge of the Irish language.
• July 30 - The Irish Tricolour is raised for the first time at the Olympic Games when Dr. Pat O'Callaghan wins a gold medal for hammer throwing.
• August 27 - Fifteen countries, including the Ireland, sign the Kellog Peace Pact in Paris. The Irish Tricolour flies at the Quai d'Orsay amongst the flags of 50 other nations.
• August 30 - The United States Secretary of State, Frank Kellogg, visits Dublin on his return journey from the Paris Peace Convention. He is granted the freedom of Dublin.
• New Irish coinage is issued featuring a harp on one side and animals on the other, the Saorstát Pound ('Free State Pound').
• Irish becomes a compulsory subject for the Intermediate Certificate.
  • Dr. Pat O'Callaghan is the first person to win a gold medal for Ireland .
• John McCormack is appointed a Papal count for his services to music.

Arts and literature

Sports

• The All-Ireland Champions are Cork (hurling) and Kildare (football)
• The first Irish team attends the Olympic Games

Births

• May 24 - William Trevor, novelist and playwright.
• August 10 - Peter Barry, former Fine Gael TD, Tánaiste and Cabinet Minister.

Deaths