John Dulanty begins a 20-year spell as Ireland's High Commissioner (later, Ambassador) to London.[1]
31 December – Mayo County Council is dissolved by ministerial order for refusing to appoint Miss Letitia Dunbar-Harrison to the position of county librarian on the grounds that she is a Protestant.[2]
4 January – Tras Honan, Fianna Fáil politician, twice Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann
7 January – Justin Keating, senior Irish Labour Party politician, Teachta Dála, Cabinet Minister, Member of the European Parliament and member of Seanad Éireann (died 2009)