The launch of my new book, The Irish in the American Civil War, took place on Saturday 23rd February last in the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin. I was very keen to have the launch at that venue, as it is where I spent four years as one of the curators working on the Soldiers & Chiefs military exhibition. As the name implies, the site is also a former British Army and later Irish Army barracks (and indeed a building known to British army veterans such as Patrick Ronayne Cleburne). There was a fabulous turnout, and I would like to thank the National Museum and my publishers The History Press Ireland for making it such a great occasion. I was particularly humbled by the presence of MSG George B. Sands, Operations Coordinator at the Defense Attaché Office who represented the United States Embassy at the launch. Special thanks must go to my former colleague on Soldiers & Chiefs Siobhan Pierce who did a wonderful job as MC, and especially author and broadcaster Myles Dungan, who did a wonderful job of launching the book. Here a few photos of the day out- thanks to everyone who attended and those who sent on their good wishes for the day!

The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Dublin

The book ready for distribution to the assembled masses!

My former colleague Siobhan Pierce, currently Head of Education at the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare St., who did a super job as MC (and said some very nice things about our time working together!)

Author and broadcaster Myles Dungan, who has himself done fantastic work in highlighting the Irish role in the United States, officially launches the book

Yours truly chatting with MSG Sands from the United States Embassy; I was deeply honoured that he was able to attend

I take the rare opportunity of having a virtually captive audience to blather on about the Irish in the American Civil War to…