Irish in the American Civil War

The ‘green-flag’ units were not the only Union regiments to contain large numbers of Irish within their ranks. Many others contained a substantial contingent of Irishmen, who were just as concerned with affairs amongst their community and at home in Ireland. One such outfit was the 42nd New York Infantry, known as ‘The Tammany Regiment.’ [...]

Much attention is rightly given to those boy soldiers who lied about their age to participate in conflicts such as the American Civil War. However, they were not the only individuals who provided false information to take up arms between 1861 and 1865. For some, it was the fact that they exceeded the age limit [...]

The American Civil War of 1861-65 took place some 150 years ago. It is very difficult for us to imagine what is was like to experience the upheaval of that period, or to have borne witness to the horrors of battlefields such as Gettysburg and Petersburg. However, there is one medium that has left us with imagery [...]

Tile Films are in the final stages of work on their two part docudrama Fág an Bealach (Faugh a Ballagh/Clear The Way) which focuses on the Irish Brigade. Each programme is 52 minutes in length and has been prepared for TG4 and the Smithsonian Channel USA. Episode One looks at the Brigade at the Battle of [...]

A recent post told the story of Father Corby’s absolution of the Irish Brigade at Gettysburg in 1863. A statue of the chaplain was erected at the battlefield on the 29th October 1910, and will soon celebrate its 100th birthday. To commemorate the occasion the Father William Corby Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, [...]

On July 2nd 1863, 147 years ago today, the Irish Brigade of the Army of the Potomac were preparing to go into action on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. With the Federal Third Corps being pushed back by the Confederates, the Irish were ordered to fall in and take arms. Only minutes [...]

A recent post brought you news of the unveiling of a memorial in Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary to Captain John Lonergan who won the Medal of Honor at Gettysburg. A follow-up visit has allowed some photos of the memorial to be posted and also provides a backdrop for a more detailed look at Lonergan’s actions in [...]

A memorial to Captain John Lonergan was unveiled at Sir John’s Road, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary on the 8th May 2010.  Captain Lonergan’s family left Ireland in 1848, and he went on to win fame at Gettysburg where he commanded Company A, 13th Vermont Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his [...]