February 25

William O’Brien was born in 1852 and began his career as a journalist in Tipperary. He became a leading voice for Irish tenant farmers, co-founding the Land League in 1879 to advocate for fair rents and land ownership. O’Brien served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament in the British House of Commons, using his platform to push for Home Rule. His outspoken style and commitment to agrarian reform made him both celebrated and controversial. Later in life, he wrote political memoirs and remained active in Irish politics during the transition to the Irish Free State. O’Brien’s efforts helped lay the groundwork for major land reforms and the eventual independence of Ireland.

Born in 1893 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, George 'Bugs' Moran became a leading figure in Chicago's North Side Gang. During Prohibition, he engaged in violent turf wars with Al Capone, culminating in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929. Although he survived the attack, his organization was decimated and gang violence escalated. After Prohibition, Moran's influence waned, and he served time for bank robbery. He spent his final years working odd jobs in obscurity. Moran died in 1957, his life epitomizing the violent legacy of 1920s organized crime.

Andrei Sinyavsky, also known by his pen name Abram Tertz, was born in 1925. He published critical works in samizdat that exposed the repressive nature of the Soviet regime. In 1965, he was arrested in a high-profile trial and sentenced to a labor camp for his writings. Sinyavsky spent five years in harsh conditions but continued to write and inspire dissident movements. After his release, he worked as a journalist and publisher, supporting freedom of expression in Russia. His courage in defending artistic and political liberty made him an emblematic figure of resistance. Sinyavsky passed away in 1997, leaving an enduring impact on literature and human rights.

Peter Benenson was born in 1921 and studied at Oxford before practicing law in London. Outraged by the imprisonment of two Portuguese students in 1961, he wrote 'The Forgotten Prisoners', mobilizing support for political prisoners worldwide. Later that year, he established Amnesty International, creating a global movement to defend human rights and document abuses. Under his guidance, the organization expanded rapidly and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977. Benenson continued to advocate for justice through publications and lectures, co-founding the human rights journal Index on Censorship. His vision and perseverance helped transform human rights activism. He passed away in 2005, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion and moral courage.

Born in 1912, Hans Raj Khanna served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of India and became Chief Justice in 1973. He is best known for his courageous dissent in the 1976 ADM Jabalpur case, upholding civil liberties during the Emergency. Khanna authored influential legal texts and mentored generations of jurists. After retiring from the bench in 1977, he remained active in legal scholarship and public life. His legacy endures as a symbol of judicial independence. He passed away in 2008.

Born in 1947, Henry Kelly launched his career in journalism before becoming a familiar voice on Irish radio. He went on to host popular television programs, where his wit and warmth endeared him to viewers nationwide. As an actor, he appeared in various stage and screen productions, showcasing his versatility. His journalistic contributions spanned print and broadcast media, earning him respect for his insightful interviews. Across five decades, he became one of Ireland's most recognized and beloved media figures. His passion for storytelling and genuine connection with audiences left a lasting imprint on Irish entertainment.