James Connolly

Irish rebel leader and socialist

James Connolly - Irish rebel leader and socialist
Born

June 5th, 1868
157 years ago

Died

May 12th, 1916
109 years ago — 47 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

Ireland

Links & References

Born in Scotland, became a key figure in the Irish labor movement and revolutionary politics. Founded the Irish Socialist Republican Party and was instrumental in the 1916 Easter Rising, which sought to end British rule in Ireland. Served as a leader in the rising and was a signatory of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. Advocated for workers' rights and promoted the idea of a socialist republic in Ireland. His writings and speeches contributed to the growth of socialist ideology in the country, influencing future generations of Irish socialists and republicans.

Founded the Irish Socialist Republican Party

Led the 1916 Easter Rising

Other People Born on June 5th

Tõnis Lukas

Estonian Minister of Education
Born
June 5th, 1962 63 years ago

An Estonian historian and politician served as the 34th Minister of Education. Born in 1962, contributed significantly to the development of educational policies and historical scholarship in Estonia. Played a vital role in modernizing the Estonian education system, focusing on curriculum development and teacher education. Involved in various educational reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes and accessibility in schools.

Continue Reading

Robert Rich

English Colonial Administrator and Admiral
Born
June 5th, 1587 438 years ago
Died
1658 367 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1587, served as the 2nd Earl of Warwick and played a significant role in the administration of English colonies in North America and the Caribbean. Participated in naval engagements against the Spanish Armada and the Dutch during a turbulent time of maritime conflict. Helped establish the colony of Providence Island in the Caribbean, known for its semi-religious government. Additionally, held the position of Lord High Admiral of England, overseeing naval affairs and operations.

Continue Reading

Sid Barnes

Cricketer, Australia national team player
Born
June 5th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 57 years old

Debuted in Test cricket in 1946, played for Australia. Barnes achieved significant success as an opening batsman, establishing a formidable partnership with his fellow players. His batting prowess contributed to several key victories during his career, particularly in the 1948 Ashes series. Known for his elegant style and ability to play long innings, Barnes made notable contributions to the sport despite injuries that impacted his playing time.

Continue Reading

Werner Schildhauer

German middle-distance runner
Born
June 5th, 1959 66 years ago

Competed in middle-distance running events during the late 20th century. Achieved significant success in national and international competitions. Specialized in the 800 meters and 1500 meters events. Represented Germany in various championships, contributing to the nation's presence in athletics during that era.

Continue Reading

John Couch Adams

Mathematician and Astronomer, Neptune discoverer
Born
June 5th, 1819 206 years ago
Died
1892 133 years ago — 73 years old

A mathematician and astronomer made significant contributions to celestial mechanics. Worked extensively on the perturbations of Uranus, applying mathematical principles to determine the existence of a new planet. Predicted the position of Neptune, which was later confirmed through telescopic observations. Made contributions to lunar theory and published several papers enhancing the understanding of planetary motions.

Continue Reading

Dave Bolland

Ice hockey player and Stanley Cup champion
Born
June 5th, 1986 39 years ago

A professional ice hockey player from Canada, played as a center in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2004, contributed to the team's successes in several seasons. Gained recognition for performance during key playoff games, particularly in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final against the Philadelphia Flyers, where the Blackhawks secured their first championship in 49 years. Later joined the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers, continuing a career marked by contributions to team dynamics and playoff performances.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 12th

Mike Agostini

Trinidadian Olympic sprinter
Born
January 23rd, 1935 90 years ago
Died
May 12th, 2016 9 years ago — 81 years old

A notable sprinter achieved success in the 100 meters and 200 meters events during the 1960s. Competed in the 1960 Rome Olympics, representing Trinidad and Tobago. Held the national record in the 100 meters, setting a standard for future generations of athletes. Also won several medals in regional competitions, contributing to the development of track athletics in Trinidad and Tobago.

Continue Reading

Art Pollard

Race car driver and Indy 500 competitor
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1973 52 years ago — 46 years old

Pollard was an American race car driver who participated in various American open-wheel racing events during the 1960s and early 1970s. Most notable was participation in the Indianapolis 500, where he competed several times between 1965 and 1973. His racing career included not only open-wheel racing but also endurance events, showcasing versatility in motorsport. Tragically, Pollard's life was cut short in a crash during a practice session for the 1973 Indy 500.

Continue Reading

Robert Kerr

Sprinter and coach; Olympic athlete
Born
June 9th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1963 62 years ago — 80 years old

Born in Ireland and later moving to Canada, a prominent sprinter specialized in middle-distance events. Competed in the 1908 London Olympics, finishing fourth in the 800 meters. Transitioned to coaching after retiring from competition, contributing to the development of future athletes. Served as the head coach for Canada's Olympic track and field team, focusing on enhancing training techniques and competitive strategies for Canadian sprinters.

Continue Reading

Felix Steiner

SS officer and military leader
Born
May 23rd, 1896 129 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1966 59 years ago — 69 years old

Served as a high-ranking officer in the Waffen-SS during World War II. Commanded the SS division known as the 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland. Participated in various military operations on the Eastern Front and played a significant role during the battles in the latter stages of the war. Post-war, faced legal issues related to wartime actions.

Continue Reading

Dennis Nilsen

Scottish serial killer and murderer
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
May 12th, 2018 7 years ago — 73 years old

A serial killer who operated in London during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Committed numerous murders of young men and boys, luring victims to his home before killing them. Gained notoriety for the gruesome nature of the crimes and techniques used to dispose of the bodies. Arrested in 1983 after a plumber discovered human remains in the drains of his apartment. Convicted in 1984 and sentenced to life imprisonment, serving 25 years before death in 2018.

Continue Reading

Lorenzo Zambrano

Businessman and philanthropist
Born
1944 81 years ago
Died
May 12th, 2014 11 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent Mexican businessman led Cemex, a global leader in the construction industry. Under leadership, Cemex expanded its operations worldwide, becoming a major player in cement and building materials. The company executed strategic acquisitions and developed innovative business models, enhancing its market position. In addition to business ventures, engaged in philanthropic efforts focused on education, health, and community development through various initiatives.

Continue Reading