Ireland

Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer, born

Petrol rationing, introduced during WW2, was ended.

Edith Oenone Somerville, Irish novelist, dies in Castletownshend, Co. Cork.

Edith Oenone Somerville, celebrated Irish novelist and illustrator, dies in Castletownshend, Co. Cork in 1949. In her late twenties, she formed a close literary partnership with her second cousin, Violet Florence Martin, who wrote under the pseudonym Martin Ross. Together, they became one of the most notable writing duos in Irish literature.

The British Government recognizes the Republic of Ireland

Ireland declared a full republic and withdrawn from British Commonwealth.

The Republic of Ireland Act was an enactment of Oireachtas Éireann passed in 1948, which came into force on April 18, 1949 and which declared that the official description of Ireland was to be the Republic of Ireland (Irish: Poblacht na hÉireann) . It officially made Ireland a republic and marked its exit from the Commonwealth. The Republic of Ireland is the official description of the sovereign state which covers approximately five-sixths of the island of Ireland. The remaining sixth of the island of Ireland is known as Northern Ireland and is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The British Parliament recognizes the declaration but asserts sovereignty over the six northern counties. Ireland does not recognize the claim. Between 1922 and 1937, the 26 county Irish state was technically a British dominion known as the Irish Free State. In 1937, a new constitution was introduced which renamed the twenty-six county state Éire, or in the English language, Ireland .

Singer Barbara Dickson, born.

John Robert Gregg, Irish Inventor of Gregg Shorthand, died

The new paddle steamer Waverley was launched from A. & J. Ingliss yard on the Clyde

The new paddle steamer Waverley was launched from A. & J. Inglis’s yard on the River Clyde. Originally built to replace an earlier vessel lost at Dunkirk, the Waverley entered service on the Firth of Clyde, offering scenic cruises known as “doon the watter” trips.

First Edinburgh International Festival opened.

The Health Act extends the powers of county councils and provides maternity care

The Health Act of 1947 in Ireland was a landmark piece of legislation that significantly expanded the role of local authorities, particularly county councils, in the provision of health services. This Act laid the foundation for the modern Irish health service, introducing major reforms that aimed to improve public health and extend care to more segments of the population, including mothers and children.