The Asgard played a key role in the events of Irish history throughout the fateful year of 1914.
The Curragh MutinyOn March 20th, officers of the British army refuse to take part in preparations to use the army to quell opposition in Ulster.
April - Larne Gun Running
On April 24th-25th, Unionists land arms at Larne in County Antrim.
May - Third Home Rule Bill
On May 25th, the Third Home Rule Bill is passed in Westminster. Intense debate ensues over the future of Ulster to try to prevent civil war breaking out.
May - Arms Negotiations in Germany
On May 28th, Erskine Childers and Darrell Figgis travel to Hamburg to negotiate the purchase of arms for the Irish Volunteers.
June - Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassinated
On June 28th, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria is assassinated in Sarajevo sparking off the crisis that will lead to the First World War.
July - Howth Gun Running
Between July 3rd-26th, the Asgardsails from Wales to collect the arms purchased by Childers and Figgis, they are landed successfully at Howth.
Government troops attempt to seize the arms but are unsuccessful, later in the day three civilians are killed in a confrontation between government troops and a crowd which had gathered on Bachelors Walk.
July - Buckingham Palace Conference
Between July 21st-24th, the Buckingham Palace Conference is held; Unionist and Nationalist representatives fail to reach an agreement.
July & August - War Declared
On July 28th, Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
By August 4th, Britain has declared war on Germany. This prompts the British Prime Minister to draft legislation to postpone the introduction of Home Rule.
September - The Home Rule Bill
On September 18th, the Home Rule Bill is granted Royal Assent. However, another bill, the Suspensory Act, postpones the introduction of Home Rule for a year, removing the immediate threat of civil war in Ireland.
The Suspensory Act is renewed for the remainder of the war. The Bill is eventually abolished by the introduction of the Government of Ireland Act of 1920.