Alone, he did it? John McAlery and the origins of association football

New evidence of early matches has necessitated a reappraisal of Irish soccer’s foundation story. By Martin Moore According to its foundation myth, association football was introduced into Ireland on 24 […]

‘Lion of the Punjab’ or ‘great imperial psychopath’?

John Nicholson—the Irishman who became a god. By Stuart Flinders Question: What had the duke of Wellington, the writer Brendan Behan and the explorer Shackleton in common? Answer: Their portraits […]

City Assembly House

58 South William Street, Dublin 2 The City Assembly House was the first purpose-built art gallery in Great Britain and Ireland. The Society of Artists in Ireland was established expressly […]

Edward Bransfield—the Corkman who discovered Antarctica

A great discovery that has been plagued by controversy for two centuries. By Michael Smith The dark scudding clouds and misty haze parted briefly in the late afternoon to reveal […]

100 YEARS AGO: The First Dáil is seated

By Joseph E.A. Connell On 21 January 1919 the First Dáil met in the Mansion House’s Round Room. At 3.30pm Count Plunkett called the meeting to order and nominated Cathal […]