I had the good fortune to deliver a talk on the 17th April last to a relatively new military history society on the topic of the Irish in the American Civil War. The South Tipperary Military History Society was formed in 2010, and hold their lectures in the Irish United Nations Veteran’s Association House in Clonmel. We covered a wide range of topics during the hours presentation, and managed to discuss a few of the better known Tipperary American Civil War veterans into the bargain.

John Lonergan Memorial, Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary. Lonergan received the Medal of Honor for actions at Gettysburg

The main themes dealt with during the lecture were as follows:

• Causes of the American Civil War

• The Irish in the United States before 1861

• Why Did the Irish Fight?

• Theatres of War

• The Union Irish

• The Confederate Irish

• Irish Stories

• The American Civil War and Ireland

• Aftermath and Memory

• Irish American Civil War Trail

There was a great attendance at the event and we had a lively discussion afterwards. I must say the evening was one of the most enjoyable lecture nights I have had in a long time, and I strongly recommend that anyone in the vicinity with an interest in military history consider checking out this energetic and proactive organisation. I must extend my thanks to the society for their invitation to chat them, and I hope they have continued success in the future!