As I am an archaeologist by profession, the vast majority of public presentations I give are related to that subject, principally my area of expertise which is conflict archaeology. It is therefore very gratifying for me to have two upcoming engagements which have arisen as a result of the Irish in the American Civil War site. I am looking forward to both of them immensely, particularly as it gives me a rare opportunity to physically speak with others interested in Irish participation during the war!
The first event forms a part of the Irish Tricolour Weekend in Waterford, where History Ireland magazine are running a Hedge School on the Irish in the American Civil War. I have been invited to participate in the panel discussion along with my former colleague in the National Museum of Ireland Lar Joye, Professor Tom Bartlett of the University of Aberdeen, and local historian Jack Burtchill. It will take place at 3pm on Saturday 10th March, in the Tapestry Room of Waterford’s Granville Hotel (which is on the site where Thomas Francis Meagher was born). Tickets are available at the door on the day for €8.
The second event is on Tuesday 17th April, and takes the form of a lecture to the South Tipperary Military History Society on the Irish in the American Civil War. The talk will start at 8pm in the Irish United Nations Veteran Association House at Clonmel Railway Station. Admittance is €2 for members of the society and €5 for non-members. For anyone who happens to be around either location at the time, I hope you will pop along for a look!
Granville Hotel, The Quays, Waterford. The site of Thomas Francis Meagher's birth
