Irish Historical Military Tour

Co. Dublin

Richard Montgomery
There are 38 cities in the U.S.A named Montgomery. One would assume that the Montgomery in question was English. Not so, Richard Montgomery born in Swords Co Dublin was the highest ranking U.S officer killed in the American War of Independence, at the Battle of Quebec in Dec 1775.

Wexford

Admiral John Barry
In South east, Wexford gave America not only JFK but also Admiral John Barry, founder of the U.S Navy and first American Navel Commander to capture an enemy Vessel.

Waterford

Thomas Francis Meagher
Waterford, birthplace of the Brigadier General, Thomas Frances Meagher, (Meagher of the Sword), both an Irish and American Patriot. He was born in Waterford in 1823, Jesuit educated. During his schooling in France he became influenced by French Republicism and on his return to Ireland he rebelled against English occupation of Ireland in 1848.

He was sentenced to death, later commuted to Life Imprisonment in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania). He escaped to American aided by a diverted whaling ship in the Antarctic.

On the outbreak of War in the South in 1861, he was appointed Brigadier General of the 69th Regiment of the Irish Brigade. He led them at the 12 oaks, Malvern Hills, Bull Run; he was wounded at Fredericksburg, appointed acting Governor of Montana and was murdered in1867, his body never found.

Two of Meagher’s Irish officers need mentioning, Captain Myles Keogh, who fought in the Italian Civil war, then went to America and fought in the fighting 69th. After a successful career as a cavalry officer, he joined General George Custer and died with him at the Little Big Horn.

Captain Clooney, Italian Civil War Veteran, joined the 69th and died at the 2nd Battle of Antietam in September 1862. Flourishishing the Regimental Banner bearing the slogan “Erin Go Brath” (Ireland Forever) he charged through the confederate lines, turning the tide of battle. He was cut down in a swath of bullets, aged 27, his monument in Waterford is emblazoned with the papal and the Union Crest.

Robert Paul
Arlington Lodge Hotel, Waterford, built in 1760 by Robert Paul. He married a Catholic and as a result had to leave Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S and both his sons served in the U.S War of Independence and are buried in Arlington Cemetery.

Macroom Co Cork

William Penn
William Penn 1644-1718. The State of Pennsylvania named after William Penn. Born in England, William spent his formative years on his Fathers estate and castle in Macroom Co Cork. While there he became a Quaker. When he was granted the lands that are now Pennsylvania, he founded the city of Philadelphia. He was instrumental in first proposing a United States of America and a United States of Europe.