The Irish Sweep

The Irish Sweep

The Irish Hospitals Sweepstake ran from 1930 to 1987 and raised the equivalent of €170 million for the Irish health service, creating a network of over 400 hospitals, clinics and medical centres across Ireland. It also made its three founding directors extremely rich,...
George IV’s Royal Visit to Ireland, 1821

George IV’s Royal Visit to Ireland, 1821

In 1821, when the new king commenced an 18-day visit to Ireland, the scandal-mongers of London homed in on the new leading light in His Majesty’s bedchamber – Elizabeth, Lady Conyngham, the chatelaine of Slane Castle, County Meath. Complete access to all articles on...
Aideen O’Connor (1913-1950) – The Golden Girl of the Abbey Theatre

Aideen O’Connor (1913-1950) – The Golden Girl of the Abbey Theatre

In the 1930s, Aideen O’Connor was fast emerging as one of the hottest stage actresses of her day. Backstage, things were also hotting up as the Dubliner was in the midst of a passionate affair with her tour manager, Arthur ‘Boss’ Shields, one of the greatest Irish...