Bobby Sands

PIRA volunteer and hunger striker

Bobby Sands - PIRA volunteer and hunger striker
Born

March 9th, 1954
71 years ago

Died

May 5th, 1981
44 years ago — 27 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

A member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army, advocated for the rights of political prisoners during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Sands led a hunger strike in 1981 while imprisoned, which garnered significant international attention and brought awareness to the conditions faced by Republican prisoners. Sands wrote poetry and a diary during his time in prison, expressing his thoughts on the political situation in Ireland. Sands died on May 5, 1981, after 66 days without food.

Led a hunger strike at Long Kesh prison

Elected as a Member of Parliament while imprisoned

Authored the book 'Writings from Prison'

Other People Born on March 9th

Antonio Bryant

Professional football player, Super Bowl champion
Born
March 9th, 1981 44 years ago

Played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Achieved significant success with the Buccaneers, contributing to the team's win during Super Bowl XXXVII. Recorded impressive statistics, including multiple seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. Transitioned to a coaching role after retirement, focusing on youth football development.

Continue Reading

Emma Bonino

Italian politician and Foreign Affairs Minister
Born
March 9th, 1948 77 years ago

Born in 1948, this Italian politician served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2014. A member of the Radical Party, engaged in the promotion of civil rights, women's rights, and humanitarian issues. This politician was a prominent advocate for the abolition of the death penalty and for democratic reforms both in Italy and abroad. Involved in European politics as a Member of the European Parliament, she dedicated efforts to several international humanitarian missions.

Continue Reading

José P. Laurel

Filipino politician, President of the Philippines
Born
March 9th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 68 years old

Served as the 3rd President of the Philippines from 1943 to 1945 during the Japanese occupation. Worked as a lawyer and held various positions in government, including being a member of the Philippine Assembly and serving as a law professor. Following the war, faced controversies regarding collaboration with Japanese forces but continued to engage in public service and was recognized for contributions to law and education.

Continue Reading

Martin Pierre Marsick

Violinist and composer associated with education
Born
March 9th, 1847 178 years ago
Died
1924 101 years ago — 77 years old

A Belgian violinist, composer, and educator contributed significantly to music education. Played as a soloist and recorded compositions that enhanced the violin repertoire. Influenced many students through teaching at various institutions, helping shape the next generation of musicians. Composed works that are studied and performed by violinists today.

Continue Reading

Doug Ault

Baseball player and manager, Blue Jays
Born
March 9th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2004 20 years ago — 54 years old

An American baseball player and manager, Ault played in Major League Baseball as a first baseman and outfielder. His career included playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, where he contributed to the team's early development in the franchise's history. After his playing career, Ault transitioned into coaching, taking on managerial roles in various minor league teams. His influence in these roles helped shape future players in the sport.

Continue Reading

Charles Gibson

Television journalist and news anchor
Born
March 9th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 1985 39 years ago — 42 years old

A prominent television journalist, served as the anchor of ABC's 'World News' from 2006 to 2011. Previously anchored 'Good Morning America' for over two decades, contributing significantly to morning news programming. Known for conducting high-profile interviews and moderating presidential debates.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 5th

Millie Small

Jamaican singer known for 'My Boy Lollipop'
Born
October 6th, 1947 77 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2020 5 years ago — 72 years old

Born in Jamaica, a singer-songwriter gained prominence in the 1960s with the release of the ska hit 'My Boy Lollipop'. The song became an international success, contributing to the popularity of ska music outside of Jamaica. Small's unique voice and catchy melodies helped to popularize reggae and ska genres. Throughout the years, performed and recorded various songs, but 'My Boy Lollipop' remained the defining track of the career. Her contributions to music have left a lasting legacy, influencing future generations of artists.

Continue Reading

Clifton Hillegass

American publisher, founded CliffsNotes
Born
April 18th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2001 24 years ago — 83 years old

Founded CliffsNotes, a series of study guides that simplify classic literature and academic subjects, influencing education across the United States. The concept originated from a desire to aid students in understanding complex texts. These study aids became widely used by students for exam preparation and classwork assistance. CliffsNotes became synonymous with literature study guides, eventually expanding into various subjects and educational resources. The brand maintained a prominent presence in American education for decades.

Continue Reading

Henry Sidney

Irish politician, Lord Deputy of Ireland
Born
1529 496 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1586 439 years ago — 57 years old

Served as Lord Deputy of Ireland during the late 16th century. Played a significant role in the governance of Ireland under English rule. His tenure focused on the management of rebellious factions and the establishment of order within the region. Engaged in efforts to reinforce English authority and improve relations with the Irish nobility. After his departure, his contributions to the English administration in Ireland continued to influence subsequent policies.

Continue Reading

Claude Choules

English-Australian soldier and veteran
Born
March 3rd, 1901 124 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2011 14 years ago — 110 years old

Born in England, a soldier served in the British Army during World War I. Emigrated to Australia in 1926 and enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy during World War II. Choules witnessed significant naval events, including the sinking of the German ship SMS Emden and the final surrender of German troops. Became the last known military veteran of World War I, passing away in 2011 at the age of 110.

Continue Reading

Mário Quintana

Brazilian poet and translator
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1994 31 years ago — 88 years old

A significant figure in Brazilian literature, contributed primarily through poetry and translation. Emerging in the 20th century, created a distinctive voice that melded simplicity with philosophical depth. Worked as a translator for various authors, enriching Brazilian culture with international literature. Published several poetry collections, establishing a lasting legacy in Brazilian literary circles.

Continue Reading

Bret Harte

Short story writer and poet
Born
August 25th, 1836 188 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1902 123 years ago — 65 years old

This American writer gained prominence during the 19th century for his contributions to literature, particularly in the genre of short stories and poetry. Harte's works often depicted life in the Western United States and captured the spirit of the Gold Rush era. His most famous work includes 'The Luck of Roaring Camp.' Harte also served as the editor of several periodicals and wrote essays and poems reflecting on society and frontier life.

Continue Reading