Fearghal is a writer from the west of Ireland. He holds a BA in English and History from University of Limerick as well as a Master in Education from Hibernia College. His areas of special interest include 16th- and 17th-century Europe and the Cold War. Aside from writing, he enjoys languages, mountaineering, and reading.
Education
MA Education — Hibernia College, 2019
BA English and History — University of Limerick, 2014
Areas of Expertise
Irish War of Independence vs Irish Civil War: What’s the Difference?
The Irish War of Independence and Irish Civil War were separate conflicts with different goals, factions, and outcomes. Understanding their differences helps clarify Ireland’s revolutionary era.
Why Is Ireland Divided Between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland?
The island of Ireland was partitioned by the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. A century later, the island remains divided despite efforts at reunification.
How the Thirty Years’ War Ravaged Europe and Gave Birth to Modern States
The Thirty Years’ War devastated Central Europe, transformed warfare, and reshaped politics. The ensuing peace agreement paved the way for modern nation-states.
The Irishmen in Mexican Uniform Who Fought Against the US During the Mexican-American War
The Saint Patrick’s Battalion was a unit of Irish-led deserters from the US Army who deserted to the enemy during the Mexican-American War.
The Fearless Gallowglasses Who Ruled Irish Battlefields for 400 Years
Gallowglasses were elite Norse-Gaelic mercenary warriors who shaped Irish warfare from the 13th to 17th centuries, serving as feared and disciplined heavy infantry for Gaelic lordships.
How a United European Fleet Crushed the Ottomans at the Battle of Lepanto
The Battle of Lepanto was the last great galley battle, ending Ottoman naval supremacy in the Mediterranean and marking a turning point in early modern naval warfare.
How the Knights Hospitaller Defended Malta From the Mighty Ottoman Empire in 1565
The defense of Malta by the Knights Hospitaller in 1565 turned the tide of the Mediterranean War between the Christian powers and the Ottoman Empire.
When Europe United to Stop the Ottomans at Vienna in 1683
Defeat at the gates of Vienna in 1683 marked the beginning of the end for the Ottoman Empire.
Why the Winged Hussars Were Europe’s Most Feared Cavalry
The winged hussars were elite shock cavalry of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Tragedy of the Irish Brigades in the American Civil War
Ever wondered how Irish soldiers end up fighting for both sides in the American Civil War? Here’s the answer.
Why Is Oliver Cromwell Still Hated in Ireland?
What did Oliver Cromwell do in Ireland that caused his name to be vilified over the centuries to the present day?
The Charge of the Light Brigade: Into the Valley of Death
How a series of mistakes led to a famous ill-fated cavalry charge into the “Valley of Death” immortalized by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.