The Irish government announced on this day in 1999 that the state had purchased the 550 acre site of the Battle of the Boyne for £9 million. In 1690, forces under rival claimants to the English throne, Catholic King James and Protestant King William, met at the River Boyne near Drogheda and fought. The battle was won by William, ending James's quest to regain the crown and … [Read more...] about December 17, 1999
Today In History
December 2, 1999
On this day in 1999, the Good Friday Agreement came into effect. Both British and Irish governments formally notified one another that the necessary arrangements and agreements would be met. This formal ceremony took place on this day at the headquarters for Department of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Affairs Minister David Andrews and Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter … [Read more...] about December 2, 1999
October 12, 1999
Former US Senator George Mitchell moves his make or break review of the Good Friday Agreement, which he helped work on, to London. Secretary of State Peter Mandelson also arrives in Northern Ireland on this day to meet with political leaders. The Good Friday Agreement and the Irish peace process continues to move forward in it's efforts. … [Read more...] about October 12, 1999
September 23, 1999
Irish singer Bob Geldof, U2 lead singer Bono and several other members of an international lobby group called the Jubilee 2000 Coalition met with Pope John Paul II on this day in 1999. The group called for the cancellation of all third world debts by the year 2000. At this historical meeting, Pope John Paul II gave the group his endorsement and blessing in hopes that world … [Read more...] about September 23, 1999
August 27, 1999
Newlyweds Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie Rhys Jones make their first overseas visit on August 27, 1999. The couple arrived at Dublin Castle to celebrate the opening of the Millennium Gold Encounter. Prince Edward attended as chairperson of the International Awards Association. … [Read more...] about August 27, 1999