Events from the year 1948 in Ireland. Incumbents President: Seán T. O'Kelly Taoiseach: Éamon de Valera (FF) (until 18 February 1948) John A. Costello (FG) (from 18 February 1948) Tánaiste: Seán Lemass (FF) (until 18 February 1948) William Norton (Lab) (from 18 February 1948) Minister for Finance: Frank Aiken (FF) (until 18 February 1948) Patrick McGilligan (FG) (from 18 February 1948) Chief Justice: Conor Maguire Dáil: 12th (until 12 January 1948) 13th (from 18 February 1948) Seanad: 5th (until 12 March 1948) 6th (from 21 April 1948) Events 8 January – the Council of State meets for the first time when President Sean T. O'Kelly tests the constitutionality of the Offences Against the State Bill. 15 January – gas rationing ends in Dublin for the first time since 1942. 4 February – 1948 Irish general election: Fianna Fáil under Éamon de Valera remain the largest party but lack an overall majority. 15 February – at the Mansion House, Dublin, a plan is drawn up which will see John A. Costello elected Taoiseach. 18 February – members of the 13th Dáil assemble. de Valera is voted out of office as Taoiseach after 16 years and John A. Costello is elected to succeed him as the country's second prime minister and an inter-party government of the 13th Dáil is formed, the first change of government since 1932. 25 February – the Minister for Health, Noel Browne, announces his emergency drive against tuberculosis. 27 February – the Government asks Aerlínte Éireann to postpone its inaugural transatlantic service due to high costs. 7 March – the Minister for External Affairs, Seán MacBride, recommends an economic or customs union between the two parts of Ireland. 11 March – a fire at Shannon Airport destroys the control tower. 16 March – Seán MacBride represents Ireland at the Marshall Aid conference in Paris. 4 April – Captain E. G. Hitzen hands over a flag surrendered during the 1916 Easter Rising. He also discusses his capture of Éamon de Valera. 18 June – a 36-foot shark is spotted off the coast of County Donegal. 22 August – the Dwyer McAllister Cottage at Dernamuck in the Glen of Imaal, Co. Wicklow (scene of rebel leader Michael Dwyer's escape from British troops in 1799), is handed over to the Irish State by the Hoxey family, with President Seán T. O'Kelly, Éamon de Valera and other dignitaries being present at the