THIS Halloween it may interest readers to learn that a unionist living in Belfast during the War of Independence once thought it appropriate to burn an effigy of de Valera on a bonfire.

IT’S fair to say that the tenor John McCormack is chiefly remembered today for his expert renditions of romantic ballads and religious hymns.

SEVENTY-FIVE years ago, on July 22, 1929, a massive hydro-electric project at Ardnacrusha was publicly unveiled at a ceremony presided over by WT Cosgrave, president of the executive council of the Irish Free State.

EIGHTY years ago on Sunday last, a new political party was publicly unveiled at a convention in the Mansion House.

EXACTLY 80 years ago, on December 7, 1922, Sean Hales, TD, was shot dead on his way to a Dáil meeting. This barbaric act occurred a day after the formal establishment of the Irish Free State.