This week Ireland’s state broadcaster RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann) dedicated an episode of its show Nationwide to the Irish experience of the American Civil War. Over the years there has been a disappointing lack of Irish programming looking at emigrants to the U.S. during this period, so this marks a very welcome addition. The 25-minute programme visits both the American Civil War Museum in Richmond and the Fredericksburg battlefield, where they conducted a great interview with National Park Service historian Frank O’Reilly. Damian from this parish also features in a couple of segments. All in all they did a pretty good job, hopefully there will be more like it in the future! The show is freely available to view in most countries via the RTÉ Player, where it will be available for the next 30 days or so. You can find it at this link.
Stan Prater
January 10, 2023 3:08 pmAfter extensive research I reactivated THE 8th MISSOURI, U.S. to honor and remember
this IRISH REGIMENT FORMED ON THE RIVERFRONT IN SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI
to alleviate the prejudice against the Irish. As Civil War Reenactors we are dedicated
to TEACHING, HONORING & PRESERVING THE HISTORY of this hard fighting
Irish Regiment. Eleven(11) Medal of Honor recipients. General U. S. Grant requested
the 8th MO, U.S. FLAG BE DISPLAYED IN HIS TOMB. I am working on getting a
permanent Marker installed in St. Louis to honor this fine Regiment.
Have been active since 1994 when I reactivated the 8th MO.
Sheila Benedict
January 10, 2023 4:56 pmThank you for posting the RTÉ episode and I will certainly watch it. Also, I read the piece you had posted in our TIARA newsletter. As a member there and as the compiler of Irish Civil War soldiers who died in California and buried here, I really liked it. I have quite a few men in my database that were in the U S Navy during the CW. Thank you again for all you are doing to bring attention to those Irishmen who came here and fought for their new country.
Patrick W. O'Leary
January 11, 2023 2:17 amThank you for sharing. I was aware of the Fighting 69th, now I know more. I had relatives that came from Ireland during this time period, they might have fought with the Irish Brigade. Well Done !