[EDITOR'S NOTE: Many who have read Irish history are familiar with the name of John Mitchel (left), Irish revolutionary, Young Irelander, and publisher of The United Irishman, who was born 182 years ago, on Nov. 3, 1815; however, many are unaware of Mitchel's life in America. During the American Civil War, Mitchel supported the Confederacy. Three of his sons served in the…

By Joseph Gannon

Many men become known as heroes for their bravery in battle, for their willingness to face death in an effort to kill the enemy and obtain an objective, or for helping win the war for their country.

They are often celebrated by millions of their countrymen and…

MORE ABOUT 'THE IRISH VOLUNTEER':

• Q&A With David Kincaid
• WGT's Leslie Sweetnam Reviews "The Irish Volunteer"
• Jan. 16's Requiem and Concert at St. Patrick's Old…

WOODSIDE, N.Y. -- With these words, Col. Patrick Kelly's family and comrades-in-arms…

By Marie-Claire McGann

Special to TheWildGeese.com

Sixty years ago this month, the 11-man crew of this Irish cargo ship braved tempestuous seas and possible RAF attack to save 168 German sailors from drowning. Her experience was emblematic of the…

Left, Marine Pfc. John Patrick White, born in Caherdaniel, County Kerry.

Five of the 28 Irish-born GIs who perished in the Korean War were born in County Kerry, including Marine Pfc. John Patrick White (left). Four were born in Cork, Roscommon and Limerick. Mayo was the birthplace for three, Leitrim and Antrim two,…

By Pat Hickey

No textbook tells the story of James J. Shields, but his personal story and resume are among the most impressive of any American, in any era.

(Left: "Churubusco" by James Walker, 1819-1889. James Shields fought there during the Mexican War.)

Shields'…

Long-dead James J. Shields faces GOP in new tussle

By Gerry Regan

Producer, TheWildGeese.com

Library of Congress

James J. Shields, still fending off Republicans.

After battling Republicans in elections throughout much of his nearly 50-year-long career, Irish-American politico and Civil War hero James J. Shields may go another round with the GOP in a fight for his 112-year-old perch in Washington, D.C.

Illinois State Rep. Robert Pritchard, a Republican from…

MacGahan Papers Janarius MacGahan, 1876

Read Part 1: …

By Joseph E. Gannon

As hundreds of 'embedded' war correspondents traveled across Iraq in 2003, WGT remembered a 19th century Irish-American correspondent whose reports on a Turkish massacre shocked the entire world, compelling world leaders to place humanitarian concerns above geopolitical ones. Ohio native…

One armed man cannot resist a multitude, nor one army conquer countless legions; but not all the armies of all the empires of earth can crush the spirit of one true man. And that one man will prevail. -- Terence MacSwiney

Probably no man outside of Michael Collins was as responsible for getting England to agree to peace talks in 1921 as Terence…

By Joe Gannon

(Right: King Louis XIV of France.)

• Part 1: The Worst Place in the…

Ah! Why, Patrick Sarsfield, did we let your ship sail

Away to the French Flanders from the green Innisfail.

For far from your country you lie cold and low:

Ah? Why Patrick Sarsfield, ah, why did you go.

We prayed, Patrick Sarsfield, to see you sail home,

Your flag waving victory across the white…

By Joe Gannon

• Part 2: 'Who Stood the Victors Crowned'…

By Joe Gannon, Managing Editor

("The Storming of the Bastille," by Jean-Pierre Houël, 1735-1813.)

• Part 1: The Worst Place in the World…

By Joe Gannon, Managing Editor

(Right: General Thomas Arthur Lally. His heroic image here betokens the restoration of his honor by the "canceling" of his conviction for treason.)…