30 June-Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps is an American swimmer who is the most decorated athlete in Olympic history. He has competed at the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games winning 28 medals including a record 23 gold medals. At the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 he became the first athlete in history to win eight gold medals at one Olympics. In doing so Phelps broke a world record which had stood for thirty six years. That record was held by American swimmer Mark Spitz who won seven gold medals at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

Michael Fred Phelps was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1985. He began swimming at the age of seven and set a US record in the 100-meter butterfly at the age of ten. At the age of fifteen he qualified for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. He did not win a medal in Sydney but went on to win medals at each subsequent Olympics until the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Michael Phelps was born in the year 1985 On This Day.

Michael Phelps



29 June-Artist’s Income Tax Exemption


In Ireland creators of works of ‘cultural or artistic merit’ are exempt from income tax in certain circumstances. The exemption applies to writers, composers, visual artists and sculptors. The exemption was introduced under the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. It was enacted in 1969.

According to the 1977 Act, artistic work under the following headings may qualify for exemption from income tax: (a) a book or other writing; (b) a play; (c) a musical composition; (d) a painting or other like picture; (e) a sculpture.

The artist must be resident in an EU or EEA state. Payments form government bodies such as the Arts Council and advance royalties are exempt from income tax.

Ireland enacted an exemption from income tax for creators of works of ‘cultural or artistic merit’ in the year 1969 On This Day.




29 June-Rosemary Clooney

Rosemary Clooney was a singer, and actress who was a native of Kentucky, USA. She was the aunt of actor George Clooney. Her ancestors lived in the village of Windgap, Co Kilkenny Ireland. Clooney’s great-grandfather, Nicholas Clooney, emigrated to America in 1852. The family settled in Kentucky.

Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky on May 23rd 1928. She made her singing debut at the age of 13 and toured with a big band during the 1940’s. She had her first big hit with ‘Come On-a My House’ in 1951. She starred with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye in ‘White Christmas’ in 1954.

Following a period during the 1960’s, when her career ran into difficulties, Rosemary Clooney returned to performing in 1977. She made her comeback when she appeared with Bing Crosby to mark his 50 years in show business. She continued to perform for the rest of her life and was awarded the Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.

Rosemary Clooney died at the age of 74 in the year 2002 On This Day.

Rosemary Clooney




28 June-Connaught Rangers Mutiny

The Connaught Rangers was an Irish regiment of the British Army. It had its home depot at Renmore Barracks in Galway City. From 1801 to its disbandment in 1922 the regiment fought in engagements in places such as Egypt, India, South America, The Crimea, South Africa and in several locations during World War 1. The regiment also played an active role in the suppression of the Easter Rising of 1916 in Ireland. The Connaught Rangers had the nickname: The Devil’s Own and the Motto: Quis Separabit.

In 1920 the Connaught Rangers were stationed in India. Some members based in the Punjab decided to protest at the effects of martial law then being enforced in Ireland. The protests spread to other areas where companies of the Connaught Rangers were based. The mutiny lasted for four days before being put down by other British troops. Two Connaught Rangers died during the mutiny. The leader of the revolt, Private James Daly was executed by firing squad.

The Connaught Rangers mutinied in India in the year 1920 On This Day.

Renmore Barracks, Galway City – once home to the Connaught Rangers





28 June- World War 1

World War 1 began on July 28th 1914. One month previously, Yugoslav nationalist Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Duchess Sophia. Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

World War 1 was fought between the Allies and the Central Powers. Often also referred to as the Great War it led to the deaths of 20 million people. It lasted over four years and was one of the deadliest conflicts in history. In 1919 the Treaty of Versailles brought a formal end to WW1 and established the League of Nations.

The German, Russian, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires came to an end following World War 1. The War also brought about great changes in society and led to several revolutions. The Armistice on the ‘11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month’ of 1918 brought an end to the fighting on the Western Front. This was followed by a peace conference which led to the Treaty of Versailles.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and wife Duchess Sophia began events which led to World War1. They died Sarajevo1914 On This Day.

The Treaty of Versailles brought a formal end to WW1. The treaty was signed in 1919 On This Day.

Tank world_war_1

In the trenches