Ireland

German submarine sank HMS Royal Oak in Scapa Flow, Orkney, with the loss of, 810 lives.

Dáil Éireann introduces internment

Sir Jackie Stewart, three-times world motor racing champion, born in Dunbartonshire.

John Sheahan, fiddle player with the Dubliners, is born

The first aircraft lands at the newly opened Rineanna Airfield which is later to become Shannon International Airport

Cosmo cinema in Rose Street, Glasgow opened its doors for the first time

De Valera states his intention to preserve Irish neutrality in the event of a second world war

William Butler Yeats, Irish poet, dies

William Butler Yeats, one of the most prominent literary figures of the 20th century, died on January 28, 1939. Yeats was an Irish poet and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. His work was deeply influenced by the heritage and politics of Ireland, and he played a significant role in the Irish Literary Revival.

IRA Army Council declare war on England

IRA Army Council and Republican survivors of 2nd Dáil Éireann declare war on England

First publication of the newspaper Irish Freedom

“Irish Freedom” is the title of a newspaper published by the political party Sinn Féin. This newspaper played a significant role in the political and nationalist landscape in Ireland. The first issue of “Irish Freedom” was published in 1939.