January 29

September 29

• 1979 ‘On my knees, I beg you to turn away from the paths of violence and to return to the ways of peace … Further violence in Ireland will only drag down to ruin the land you claim to love and the values you claim to cherish’—Pope John Paul II in an address at Killineer, Drogheda, Co. Louth.
• 2008 ‘Night of the Guarantee’. Faced with the impending collapse of Anglo-Irish Bank, the government guaranteed the deposits, bonds and loans of all Irish-owned banks and financial institutions.
• 1984 The trawler Marita Anne was intercepted by the Irish navy off Fenit, Co. Kerry. It was found to be carrying over seven tons of arms and ammunition from the USA.
• 1979 Pope John Paul II arrived in Ireland on a three-day visit—the first pontiff to step on Irish soil.
• 1922 General Eoin O’Duffy was appointed Garda Commissioner amid government concerns over indiscipline in the newly formed force.