Ireland

First oil pumped ashore from British oilfields in the North Sea.

Referendum held on British Membership of the European Community.

The United Kingdom European Communities Membership Referendum was held on June 5, 1975, to determine whether the UK should remain a member of the European Economic Community (EEC)—commonly referred to as the “Common Market.” The UK had joined the EEC in 1973, and this referendum was the first nationwide plebiscite in the country’s history.

Mother Mary Martin, founder of the Medical Missionaries of Mary, dies in Drogheda

Mother Mary Martin, the founder of the Medical Missionaries of Mary, passed away on January 27, 1975, in Drogheda, Ireland. She was a significant figure in the field of religious and medical missions, known for her dedication to providing healthcare and medical training in various parts of the world.

Labour won the General Election with an overall majority of three seats and Harold Wilson became Prime Minister.

Red Hackle wins Intercontinental Highland Gathering, Toronto, Canada, 1974.

Kate O'Brien, Irish writer, dies

Kate O’Brien, a renowned Irish novelist and playwright, died on August 13, 1974. O’Brien was celebrated for her contributions to Irish literature, particularly her exploration of themes related to women’s independence, identity, and sexuality. Her works often challenged the conservative norms of her time, making her a significant figure in the canon of 20th-century Irish literature.

Billy Fox, Prostestant Irish Nationalist senator from Monaghan, assassinated

Billy Fox, a Protestant Irish nationalist senator and member of the Fine Gael party from County Monaghan, was assassinated on March 12, 1974. Fox was a vocal supporter of civil rights and peace in Northern Ireland during a period of intense sectarian violence known as the Troubles, which spanned from the late 1960s through to 1998.

Neil M. Gunn, author, died

Neil M. Gunn, the Scottish author and novelist, died on January 15, 1973.

RTÉ Journalist Kevin O'Kelly is imprisoned for contempt of court

RTÉ reporter Kevin O’Kelly had reported, not broadcast, his taped interview with Mac Stiofáin. He was jailed briefly for contempt in a court case arising out of the interview when Mac Stiofáin was charged with IRA membership. O’Kelly refused to identify Mac Stiofáin’s as the voice on his unbroadcast interview. The tape had been seized from his house by the Garda Síochána (police)

Paul McCartney, one of the Beatles, was arrested for possession of marijuana at his farm in the Mull of Kintyre, Scotland.