Today on Celtic History on

August 21st

Fri 21 Aug 1981

Michael Devine, Irish political prisoner, dies on hunger strike in maze prison, Northern Ireland.

Sat 21 Aug 1937

Birth of Donald Dewar, former Secretary of State for Scotland and First Minister in the new Scottish Parliament.

Thu 21 Aug 1930

Princess Margaret, daughter of the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, born at Glamis Castle. She was the first Royal princess born in Scotland for, 300 years and the last Royal birth to be witnessed by the Home Secretary (a tradition started by Qu

Sat 21 Aug 1920

Birth in Belfast of Rinty Monaghan, world flyweight boxing champion

Mon 21 Aug 1911

Irish Womens Suffrage Federation is formed

Mon 21 Aug 1882

Birth in Gloucester of Arthur Luce, a professor of philosophy and fellow of Trinity College in Dublin for 65 years

Thu 21 Aug 1879

A Vision of the Virgin Mary is witnessed by 15 villagers in Knock, Co. Mayo

Wed 21 Aug 1861

Birth in Belfast of Frederick Crawford, militant unionist and organizer of Larne gun-running

Tue 21 Aug 1855

Last ever Donnybrook Fair, held in Dublin since 1204. The general uproar of the annual event results in its suspension

Sun 21 Aug 1791

Birth of the word quiz (allegedly and disputed). Richard Daly, a theatre proprietor in Dublin, makes a bet that within 48 hours he can introduce a new word into the English language.

Wed 21 Aug 1754

Birth of William Murdoch who pioneered the use of coal-gas lighting in, 1792 in partnership with James Watt and Mathew Boulton.

Sun 21 Aug 1689

Battle of Dunkeld when the newly formed Cameronians defended the town against, 3,000 Highlanders.