Events for August 09

August 9, 1757

Civil engineer Thomas Telford born.

Thomas Telford, a prominent civil engineer, was born on August 9, 1757, in Glendinning, a small village in the Scottish Borders. Telford is often referred to as the “Colossus of Roads” due to his significant contributions to civil engineering, particularly in the construction of roads, bridges, and canals across Britain.

August 9, 1690

First siege of Limerick begins

Limerick (Irish: Luimneach) is a city and the county seat of County Limerick in the province of Munster, in the midwest of the Republic of Ireland. The city lies on the River Shannon, with three main crossing points near the city centre. It is chiefly renowned for its rugby heritage, including the famous Garryowen rugby club, after which the high rugby kick is named. Limerick has a proud sporting tradition, as the spiritual home of Irish rugby, as well as being a powerhouse in hurling. The population of Limerick including environs is 86,998 while the population of the city itself is 54,023 (CSO, 2002). Limerick is twinned with Quimper in France.

August 9, 1850

Irish Tenant League is founded

The Irish Tenant League was founded in 1850, during a period of significant social and political unrest in Ireland. The League was established in response to the dire conditions faced by tenant farmers under the landlord system, where the majority of the Irish population rented land from a small class of often absentee landlords. The League became a central force in advocating for the rights of tenants and played a crucial role in the broader struggle for land reform in Ireland.

August 9, 1971

Indefinite Internment Without Trial or Charge instituted by England in six counties of Northern Ireland.

Indefinite internment without trial or charge was instituted by the British government in Northern Ireland on August 9, 1971, during a period of intense conflict known as “The Troubles.” This policy, known as Operation Demetrius, was primarily aimed at detaining members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and others suspected of involvement in paramilitary activities against the British state.