Memory and ageSourced
An old storm became an age question
A destructive storm struck Ireland on January 6, 1839. After old-age pensions were introduced, some applicants lacked birth registration. Remembering the Night of the Big Wind was one question used to help establish age.
A shared historical memory helped fill a gap in personal records.
Summary / translation: Unbubly · CC BY-SA 4.0
Source and reuse details
Night of the Big Wind · Wikimedia contributors
Adapted, summarized and translated from the source. Adapted text is also available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reviewed: 2026-10-10