Well, here is a post I never thought I would be writing., but which I felt I had to share! This afternoon I was speaking on the Irish in the American Civil War at the Back to Our Past event in the Royal Dublin Society, a very enjoyable occasion with a great audience. Afterwards I was asked if I had noticed the interview in the English newspapers last week with American singer and actress Cher. In it she was asked what book she was reading at the moment- here is what she said:

I’m currently reading…The Irish in the American Civil War by Damian Shiels. It’s really interesting.

I don’t think the book is widely available in the UK, so it would be fascinating to find out how Cher got her hands on it, and what initially sparked her interest. Either way, it is great to hear she is reading it and a bit surreal at the same time- thanks Cher! you can see her interview here.