Dictionary of Irish Biography
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Dictionary of Irish Biography
@dib.ie
An authoritative reference work of nearly 11,000 lives for scholars of Irish history, society and culture from the Royal Irish Academy
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This November the @dib.ie publishes 29 biographical entries: 28 new entries alongside an extensive revision of an existing entry. This eclectic range of noteworthy lives, drawn from across the spectrum of Irish society can be viewed here:
www.dib.ie/news/broadca...
This November the @dib.ie publishes 29 biographical entries: 28 new entries alongside an extensive revision of an existing entry. This eclectic range of noteworthy lives, drawn from across the spectrum of Irish society can be viewed here:
www.dib.ie/news/broadca...
November 14, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Reposted by Dictionary of Irish Biography
Found this when looking for 17thC things. The joy of the freely accessible @historydib.bsky.social

www.dib.ie/index.php/bi...
www.dib.ie
July 16, 2025 at 1:51 PM
A prominent cultural figure in post-war Dublin, John Ryan (b. #OTD 1925)owned the Bailey on Duke St. Frequented by writers & artists, the establishment became renowned for its connections with a motley group of writers including Brendan Behan & Anthony Cronin. www.dib.ie/biography/ry... #DIBLives
February 19, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Limerickman George Browne, soldier of fortune, had an extraordinary life: he was a galley slave, governor of Livonia for Catherine the Great, he lost part of his skull in war and he carried a coffin with him for 10 years in protest. He died #OTD 1792. dib.ie/biography/br... #DIBLives
February 18, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Eliza Gilbert (aka Lola Montez), born #OTD 1820, had a life so colourful it can’t be captured in one post - she carried a bullwhip, pursued Franz Liszt, crashed a male-only banquet to dance on the tables and toasted a mob with champagne & chocolate. www.dib.ie/biography/gi... #DIBLives
February 17, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Handsome and composed, with the attire & manners of a gentleman, it was rumoured that Queen Marie Antoinette herself appealed for pirate Luke Ryan to be released from Newgate prison when he was to be executed in 1782. He was born #OTD 1750. www.dib.ie/biography/ry... #DIBLives
February 14, 2025 at 8:36 AM
‘A principled lawyer & honest man.' #OTD 1989 solicitor Pat Finucane was shot dead in front of his family by UFF gunmen at his home in Belfast. He was the 1st defence lawyer killed in the Troubles & his death was recognised as a blow to the whole judicial system. www.dib.ie/biography/fi... #DIBLives
February 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM
“You have disgraced yourselves again. Is this to be an ever recurring celebration of the arrival of Irish genius?” (W.B. Yeats) #OTD 1926 audiences rioted when Sean O’Casey’s The Plough and the Stars was performed in the Abbey Theatre. www.dib.ie/biography/oc... #DIBLives
February 11, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Born #OTD 1842 Agnes Mary Clerke was the first woman admitted to the all-male Royal Astronomical Society. Her analyses were so reliable, thoughtful and wide reaching that she became a revered authority, and a lunar crater has been named to commemorate her. www.dib.ie/biography/cl... #DIBLives
February 10, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Although veterinary surgeon Aleen Cust was first in her class in 1900, she wasn't permitted to sit the RCVS exams due to her gender. Following passage of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act she took the exam, becoming the 1st female member of the RCVS in 1922. www.dib.ie/biography/cu... #DIBLives
February 7, 2025 at 9:36 AM
'One of the great Irish bluesmen. His playing was exceptional & beautiful. We won't see his like again.' Gary Moore's (d. #OTD 2011) combination of virtuosity & soulfulness could mesmerise audiences & was much admired by fellow guitarists. www.dib.ie/biography/mo... #DIBLives
February 6, 2025 at 9:51 AM