Irish Brigade was founded by Irish soldiers who fled Ireland for France after the war between English kings James II and William III in the late 1600’s. The Irish Brigade fought for France in major battles of the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714). Their battle cry “Remember Limerick” referred to the broken Treaty of Limerick (1691). In 1702, led by Major Dan O’Mahony, they successfully defended the Italian town of Cremona against the Austrian Army. In 1745, the brigade greatly contributed to the French victory over the British at Fontenoy. See also Wild Geese .
Irish soldiers also fought for the United States in the Mexican War (1846-1848). Many Irish Catholics, however, deserted the U.S. Army, forming the Saint Patrick’s Battalion (the San Patricios) in the Mexican Army. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Irish brigades fought on both sides. They included the famous “Fighting” 69th New York Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army. See also Civil War, American ; Mexican War .
