Australian explorer Robert O'Hara Burke, born in Co. Galway, died on this day in 1861. Burke, who had migrated to Australia in 1853 after a short military and police career, and was appointed to lead the Victorian Exploring Expedition in 1860. He partnered with William John Wills as surveyor and the party set out with
One of the best-equipped expeditions in Australia s history. Nineteen men led by Burke and Wills left Melbourne, Australia on a 2000 mile trip in 1860, but only one survived.
Remembering Michael Collins, Pilot of The First Moon Landing, and a True Pioneer
The most trusted designated driver of all time has died. Astronaut Michael Collins passed away at his home in.More
Astronaut Michael Collins on the Moon Landing
The most trusted designated driver of all time reflects on the ride 50 years after lift-off and offers wisdom to those.More
Striking Gold – Transcontinental
Railroad Turns 150
Irish contributions to American history received a special recognition this week. The 150th anniversary of connecting.More
August 1
Officially known in the Celtic calendar as Lughnasa and the first day of Autumn, August 1st marks the celebration of.More
When Tuesdayâs Health Supplement suggested that Queensland was âabout the size of Irelandâ, I presume that was a reference to population rather than territory. With just over five million people, it is indeed similar. But as John Doherty (Letters, April 21st) has pointed out, it is vastly larger in area: something that was learned painfully by an Irishman born 200 years ago next month.
Robert OâHara Burke entered this world on May 6th, 1821, growing up in the pleasant surroundings of St Cleranâs, a Georgian house near Craughwell, Co Galway, which in later times would be home to film director John Huston. The now famous Fields of Athenry were only a few miles north. Unlike the man in the song, however, Burke left the area happily in search of adventures, first as a soldier on the continent and then for a time back in Ireland, as a police officer in Dublin and Kildare.