The Sixty-Ninth New York at 1st Bull Run Courtesy of Historical Art Prints Soldiers from Co. K, 69th New York, a company of Zouaves led by Thomas Francis Meagher at First Manassas, portrayed in painstaking detail by artist Don Troiani. One hundred forty-nine years ago this month the men of the Irish 69th New York State Militia and thousands of other soldiers from the north and south met in the first great battle of a war destined to kill over 600,000 Americans. Perhaps as many as 180,000 Irish-born soldiers fought for both sides during the nearly four years of grisly slaughter that would follow Bull Run. In their memory, WGT presents this five-part series on the 69th New York at the 1st Battle of Bull Run. It is drawn from the book "The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns," by Tipperary native David P. Conyngham, published in 1866. Conyngham served during the Civil War, for a time with Meagher's Irish Brigade, and finally as a correspondent for the New York Herald.

This Week in Irish History IN THE UNITED STATES: George Clinton, soldier, first governor of New York, and vice president of the United States, is born in Little Britain, N.Y., of Irish Protestant parents. IN IRELAND: Erskine Childers sails his yacht, the Asgard, into the port of Howth, in Dublin with 900 German rifles and 29,000 rounds of ammunition on board. The National Gallery of Ireland Patrick Sarsfield, by William Mossop IN BELGIUM: Units of the Irish Brigade of France fight at the battle of Landen (also known as Neerwinden) against the forces of William of Orange, their nemesis from the Battle of the Boyne. More. Key dates.

Irish Dominate Medal of Honor List Double MOH winner Dan Daly In 1862 the US Congress authorized the medal that remains the highest military honor our country can bestow: The Congressional Medal of Honor. Thirty-three countries are listed as birthplaces of medal recipients. Ireland, with 258 natives awarded the medal, is the country with the largest number of medal winners — by far — with Germany/Prussia's total of 128 recipients being second. Cork leads the honor list with 19 medalists, followed by Dublin and Tipperary with 11 each. Limerick has 10; Kerry eight; Galway seven; Antrim and Tyrone tied with six; Kilkenny and Sligo each have five. WGT's Heritage Editor John Concannon proudly retells some of their stories.

WGT—YOUR EVERGREEN STOP FOR UNIQUE HERITAGE GIFTS Ornaments, Books, Music, CDs, Clothing, Calendars, Gear, Historical Art, Much More.

Flags of the Irish Brigade of France t-shirts (pictured) messenger bags, clothing for baby, underwear, housewares, sweatshirts, hats, and mugs featuring our Irish Brigade, Irish Brigade of France or other totally unique graphics. You won't find these items anywhere else but here. IRISH BRIGADE GEAR FOR HIM AND HER! THE WILD GEESE TODAY LINE OF MERCHANDISE IRISH AMERICA: THE FENIAN TRADITION — SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS! EXPLORE WGT'S IRISH BRIGADE OF FRANCE SHOP Get a "Ulysses S. Grant and the Irish" commemorative item

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Irish Rep's 'Disciple' A Devilishly Good Play

"The Devil's Disciple" by George Bernard Shaw, now up at Manhattan's Irish Reportory Theatre, while not one of his major works, offers a fine evening, indeed. Read a review by WGT's Patricia Jameson-Sammartano on WGT's blog. More in WGT's Blog

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