Events from the year 1928 in Ireland. Incumbents Governor-General: Tim Healy (until 31 January) James McNeill (from 31 January) President of the Executive Council: W. T. Cosgrave (CnaG) Events 29 January – in Belfast, members of the nationalist opposition protest at the Ulster Unionist Party government's plan to abolish Proportional representation. 31 January – the outgoing Governor-General, T. M. Healy leaves the Vice-Regal Lodge. His successor is James McNeill. 25 February – William O'Brien, former activist in the Home Rule and land campaigns, dies in London aged 75. 12 April – the first east–west transatlantic flight by aeroplane leaves Baldonnel Aerodrome in Dublin. Commandant James Fitzmaurice is on board the Bremen. 30 April – cheering crowds in New York greet the crew of the Bremen after it has made its transatlantic flight. 19 May – the foundation stone of the new Northern Ireland Parliament Building is laid at Stormont. 29 May – it is suggested that the old Irish flag – that of a gold harp with a blue background – should be carried at the Olympic Games in Amsterdam. However, the Irish tricolour has already been registered as the national flag. 14 June – amendments to the Court of Justice bill state that certain judges cannot be appointed if they do not have a competent knowledge of the Irish language. 30 July – the Irish Tricolour is raised for the first time at the Olympic Games when Dr. Pat O'Callaghan wins a gold medal for hammer throwing. 11–22 August – The Tailteann Games take place in Dublin. 27 August – fifteen countries, including Ireland, sign the Kellog Peace Pact in Paris. The Irish Tricolour flies at the Quai d'Orsay amongst the flags of 50 other nations. 30 August – the United States Secretary of State, Frank Kellogg, visits Dublin on his return journey from the Paris Peace Convention. He is granted the freedom of Dublin. 10 September – the Saorstát Pound ('Free State Pound') becomes a reality as the Currency Commission places into circulation the first (Series A) Irish banknotes issued for over a century. 10 December – the Belfast-built , the first ship to exceed 20,000 tons, runs aground off Cobh and is declared a total loss. 12 December – the first Irish coinage is circulated in the state making complete the introduction of banknotes and coinage of the Irish Free State. Irish becomes a compulsory subject for