W. B. Yeats' and Lady Gregory's play Cathleen ni Houlihan premiered on this day in 1902 at St. Theresa's on Clarendon Street in Dublin. Starring Maud Gonne in the title role, which represents a free and separate Ireland, the play promoted highly nationalistic sentiments and received a good reception. Once Yeats and Gregory had founded the National Theater at The Abbey, the play … [Read more...] about April 2, 1902
Today In History
September 6, 1901
President William McKinley was shot in Buffalo, New York on this day in 1901. McKinley was born on January 29, 1843 to William and Nancy McKinley, who were of Scottish and Irish descent. After serving in the Civil War, McKinley opened up his own law practice and eventually became the Prosecuting Attorney of Stark County, Ohio. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives … [Read more...] about September 6, 1901
June 18, 1901
Denis Johnston, Irish playwright and protege of W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw, was born on this day in 1901. Johnston's first play, "The Old Lady Says No!" helped establish his career as a playwright. "The Moon in the Yellow River" (1931) is perhaps his most well known play. … [Read more...] about June 18, 1901
December 23, 1900
Irish film and television actor Noel Purcell was born in Dublin on this day in 1900. Purcell began his acting career at an early age, debuting on Dublin's Gaiety Theater stage at the age of 12. He also did vaudeville as a boy. He moved to film, acting in 1947's "Captain Boycott," and played a crew member on Ahab's ship in 1956's "Moby Dick." Purcell appeared in several British … [Read more...] about December 23, 1900
May 11, 1900
In an effort to regain the heavyweight boxing title, James J. Corbett, known as Gentleman Jim, was knocked out cold by James J. Jeffries in the 23rd round. Corbett, who was born in San Francisco, had won the title from John L. Sullivan in 1892 then lost it to the Cornish fighter Bob Fitzsimmons. Jeffries of Los Angeles defeated Fitzsimmons, thus setting the stage for what many … [Read more...] about May 11, 1900