Bridge", striking John Redmond on the arm. 18 July – Suffragettes attempted an arson attack on the Theatre Royal, Dublin, during Asquith's visit. 27 July – Bonar Law, leader of the British Conservative Party in opposition, made a defiant speech at a massive Unionist rally at Blenheim Palace against Home Rule, implying support for armed resistance to it in Ulster. 28 September – 'Ulster Day' – the Ulster Covenant to resist Home Rule was signed by almost 250,000 men throughout Ulster; 229,000 women signed a parallel declaration. 23 October – Large numbers of cattle were slaughtered in Mullingar due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the area. The golden eagle became extinct in Ireland (prior to reintroduction). Arts and literature 11 April – Lennox Robinson's play Patriots was first performed, at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. 20 April – Bram Stoker, author of Dracula and theatrical manager, died in London. November – Lord Dunsany's short story collection The Book of Wonder was published. Peadar Kearney and Patrick Heeney's A Soldier's Song (which later became Amhrán na bhFiann, the Irish national anthem) was first published in Irish Freedom by Bulmer Hobson. Eleanor Hull published The Poem-Book of the Gael: translations from Irish Gaelic poetry into English prose and verse and first versified the traditional Irish hymn Be Thou My Vision in English. Forrest Reid's coming-of-age novel Following Darkness was published. James Stephens' novel The Crock of Gold was published. Sport Association football International 10 February – Ireland 1–6 England (in Dublin). 6 March – Ireland 1–4 Scotland (in Belfast)– 13 April – Wales 2–3 Ireland (in Cardiff) Irish League Winners: Glentoran F.C. Irish Cup Winners: Linfield F.C. (last club remaining after several others withdrew) Bohemian F.C. were re-admitted to the Irish Football League after resigning the previous year. Tritonville F.C., another Dublin team, joined the League, but lasted just one season. Gaelic games All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 1912 Winners: Louth All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1912 Winners: Kilkenny Olympics Ken McArthur, born in Dervock, County Antrim, won the marathon race for South Africa at the 1912 Summer Olympics. Births 8 January – James Brophy, cricketer (died 1994). 5 February – Desmond Surfleet, cricketer (died 2006). 14 February – Joseph Brennan, Fianna Fáil party Teachta Dála (TD), Cabinet minister and Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann (died 1980). 22 March – Wilfrid Brambell, actor (died 1985). 12 April – Gerald Goldberg,