Events for March 31

March 31, 1871

Arthur Griffith, founder of Sinn Féin and co-signatory of Anglo-Irish treaty, born

Arthur Joseph Griffith (31 March 1871 – 12 August 1922) was an Irish writer, newspaper editor and politician who founded the political party Sinn Féin.

March 31, 1859

The independent Irish party splits and the Tenant League breaks up

The Independent Irish Party (IIP) was the designation chosen by the 48 Members of the United Kingdom Parliament returned from Ireland with the endorsement of the Tenant Right League in the 1852 general election. The League had secured their promise to offer an independent opposition (refusing all government favour and office) to the dominant landlord interest, and to advance an agrarian reform programme popularly summarised as the “three F’s”: fair rent, fixed tenure and free sale.

March 31, 1711

Seven women from Island Magee, Co. Antrim are imprisoned and pilloried for bewitching a woman

The Islandmagee witch trials were two criminal trials in Carrickfergus in 1711 for alleged witchcraft at Islandmagee. It is believed to have been the last witch trial to take place in Ireland.

March 31, 1295

Robert Bruce, The Great Competitor and grandfather of King Robert the Bruce, died.

Robert V de Brus (Robert de Brus), 5th Lord of Annandale (ca. 1215 – 31 March or 3 May 1295), was a feudal lord, justice and constable of Scotland and England, a regent of Scotland, and a competitor for the Scottish throne in 1290/92 in the Great Cause. He is commonly known as “Robert the Competitor”. His grandson Robert the Bruce eventually became King of Scots.