1941 in Ireland facts for kids

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See also:	Other events of 1941 List of years in Ireland

The year 1941 in Ireland was a time of challenges and important events. Ireland remained neutral during World War II, a period known as The Emergency. Despite being neutral, the country faced bombings and shortages. This year also saw the passing of a famous writer and the birth of a future president.

Leaders of Ireland in 1941

In 1941, Ireland had two main leaders:

• The President was Douglas Hyde. The President is the head of state, like a symbol for the country.
• The Taoiseach (Prime Minister) was Éamon de Valera. He led the government and was a member of the Fianna Fáil political party.

Key Events of 1941

Bombings and the War's Impact

Even though Ireland was neutral, the war in Europe still affected the country.

• On January 2, German planes dropped bombs on parts of Leinster, sadly killing three women in Carlow.
• The very next day, January 3, Dublin was bombed again by German planes.
• Later, on May 31, a major bombing raid by the German Luftwaffe hit Dublin, killing 34 people.
• Other towns like Arklow (June 2) and Dundalk (July 24) were also bombed, but thankfully, no one was hurt in those attacks.

Helping Belfast During the Blitz

• On April 15, Belfast, in Northern Ireland, suffered a terrible bombing raid known as the Belfast Blitz. Over 1,000 people died.
• Ireland's emergency services, including 71 firemen and 13 fire engines from Dundalk, Drogheda, Dublin, and Dún Laoghaire, bravely crossed the border to help their colleagues in Belfast.
• Belfast was bombed again on May 5. The Irish government once more allowed its emergency services to go and help. This showed a spirit of cooperation despite political differences.

Secret Help for the Allies

• On February 21, a British Royal Air Force flying boat made its first flight through the "Donegal Corridor". This was a secret agreement by Taoiseach Éamon de Valera, allowing British planes to use Irish airspace to reach the Atlantic Ocean. This was a quiet way Ireland helped the Allies of World War II during the war.

Challenges at Home

• On March 6, a serious outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease led to 3,800 animals being slaughtered to stop the spread.
• On March 20, bread rationing began. This meant people could only buy a limited amount of bread because of shortages caused by the war.
• Throughout the year, several Irish ships, like the Glencullen, Glencree, St. Fintan, and Edenvale, were attacked by German planes in the Bristol Channel and Irish Sea. Sadly, the St. Fintan was sunk, and all nine sailors on board died.
• In August, the S.S. Clonlara was sunk by a German submarine in the North Atlantic, with 11 sailors losing their lives.
• During the summer, about 16,000 men and boys worked on county council projects to cut turf (peat) for fuel. This was important because other fuels were hard to get.

Important Political Moments

• On May 26, the Irish parliament, Dáil Éireann, strongly spoke out against the idea of forcing people in Northern Ireland to join the British army.
• The next day, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill confirmed that conscription (being forced to join the army) would not happen in Northern Ireland.
• On December 8, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor in the USA, Winston Churchill asked Taoiseach Éamon de Valera if Ireland would join the Allies in the war. Ireland chose to remain neutral.

Honoring a Hero

• On October 12, a huge celebration took place in Dublin to honor Charles Stewart Parnell. He was a very important Irish political leader from the past, sometimes called "the uncrowned King of Ireland."

Arts and Culture in 1941

• The funny novel An Béal Bocht (The Poor Mouth) by Myles na gCopaleen was published.
• Kate O'Brien's novel The Land of Spices was published, but it was banned in Ireland by the Censorship of Publications Board.
• The new passenger terminal at Dublin Airport opened. It was designed in a modern style called International Style.

Sports in 1941

Football

• The winners of the League of Ireland were Cork United.
• Cork United also won the FAI Cup.

Golf

• The Irish Open golf tournament was not played in 1941 because of The Emergency (World War II).

Notable Births in 1941

Many people who would become famous were born in Ireland in 1941:

• January 3 – Derrick O'Connor, an actor.
• April 18 – Michael D. Higgins, who would later become the 9th President of Ireland.
• May 22 – Caitlín Maude, a talented poet, actress, and singer.
• July 24 – Tony Dunne, a soccer player.
• November 23 – Derek Mahon, a poet.
• December 10 – Fionnula Flanagan, an actress.

Notable Deaths in 1941

Ireland also lost some important figures in 1941:

• January 13 – James Joyce, a world-famous writer and poet.
• February 19 – Hamilton Harty, a well-known conductor and composer.
• April 1 – Jennie Wyse Power, an important woman who was a member of the Irish parliament (the Seanad).