Thomas F. Meagher

Learn about the life and history of Thomas F. Meagher

About Thomas F. Meagher

Thomas F. Meagher

Brigadier General Thomas F. Meagher leads the Irish Brigade into the Battle of Fredericksburg during the American Civil War, December 13th 1862.

Meagher’s life

 “a national flag is the most sacred thing a nation can possess”

In his relatively short life – he died aged just 43 – much of which was spent outside of Ireland, Thomas Francis Meagher made a significant contribution to both Irish nationalism and to the preservation of the United States and particularly to the assimilation of the Irish into American society.

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Sword

The Battle Sword used by Thomas F. Meagher at Fredericksburg, 13th December 1862, was sourced by Senator Mark Daly.

On the occasion of the Taoiseach’s address to the joint session of Congress on the 30th April 2008 the sword was presented to the then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern T.D.

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Last letter from Ireland

On 9th July 1849 the order for the deportation of the state prisoners – William Smith O’Brien, Terence Bellew McManus, Patrick O’Donoghue and Thomas Francis Meagher – arrived in Richmond Bridewell, Dublin. On that morning, prior to the orders arrival, Thomas F. Meagher addressed a letter to his friend, John P. Leonard in Paris. It was the last letter he would ever write in his native land.

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