8th MO INFANTRY (US)
Visit to Ireland

In a salute to the Irish roots of the 8th MO Infantry, a group of re-enactors travelled to Ireland.   They arrived in Dublin where they were met by Civil War re-enactors, who were native Irish.   It was Dave (an Irish re-enactor) who arranged an extensive tour from Dublin to Belfast and back - as well as a trip to Cork to meet Berti and his sons.   Both Dave and Berti are Irishmen who re-enact the American Civil War to commemorate the Irish who emigrated to America and fought as American soldiers.
 
One highlight of the visit was a reception at the birthplace of Major General Jackson Cleburne (CSA) just outside Cork.   The presence of the American re-enactors generated a lot of interest, and many people came from town to see the 8th MO in uniform.   The 8th MO re-enactors also stopped at the birthplace of General Thomas Meagher (USA).   General Meagher led an interesting life: having escaped from the penal colony in Australia, and winding up as the territorial governor of Montana.
 
Another 8th MO camp was set up at the farm of another Irish re-enactor, Paddy.   This was followed by Tea with the Lord Mayor of Cork.   Below are a few photos from the 8th MO trip (Summer 2001):