Niall O'Dowd Books

Discover the untold story of the vital role the Irish played in the American Revolution.George Washington changed the world and saved democracy by defeating the British during the American War of Independence. The Irish role in the American Revolution, the war for the ages, has never been correctly reported. Because many of the Irish who fought were poor and illiterate and left no memoirs, their stories and role have never been told. Until now. The Irish played a huge role in the American Revolution, not just on the battlefield but also in the field hospitals and in the framing of the Declaration of Independence. Learn the story of the famous spy Hercules Mulligan, who saved George Washington’s life on two occasions and who was famously portrayed by Okieriete Onaodowan in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash hit Hamilton . Discover the story of Edward Hoban, a carpenter from Ireland who Washington tasked with building the most famous residence in the the White House.Niall O’Dowd, author of Lincoln and the Irish and A New Ireland , takes readers on a journey into the unexplored contributions of the Irish in the American Revolution and behind the scenes of the relationships of some of those men and women with the first president of the United States. These unsung heroes of the American Revolution have never gotten their due, never had their story told, until now, in  George Washington and the Irish. 

It's not your father's Ireland anymore. This narrative of modern revolution in Ireland is presented by the founder of IrishCentral, Irish America Magazine, and the Irish Voice newspaper. In a May 2019 referendum, Ireland voted overwhelmingly to legalize abortion, following a similar decision three years earlier to permit same-sex marriage, making it the only country to do so through universal suffrage. Pope Francis's visit prompted protests and a much less enthusiastic reception compared to Pope John Paul's forty years prior. Since 1990, Ireland has seen two female heads of state, a historic shift. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, an openly gay man of Indian descent, noted that "a quiet revolution had taken place." For much of its modern history, Ireland was Europe's most conservative nation, with the Catholic Church exerting immense influence over daily life. Just thirty years ago, debates raged over the legality of condoms, and being LGBTQ+ was socially and politically perilous. As scandals weakened the Church's grip, a new Ireland emerged. The Northern conflict has ended, aided by President Bill Clinton and negotiator George Mitchell. EU membership and American multinational corporations have transformed Ireland from a rural society to the European headquarters for major tech companies. With insights from notable Irish and Irish American figures, this account captures the essence of a remarkable transformation against all odds.

From the founder of IrishCentral, a fascinating piece of Civil War history: Lincoln’s relationship with the immigrants arriving in America to escape the Irish famine. “If you’re a Lincoln fan like me, you’ll love this book.” —Liam Neeson When Pickett charged at Gettysburg, it was the all-Irish Pennsylvania 69th who held fast while the surrounding regiments broke and ran. And it was Abraham Lincoln who, a year earlier at Malvern Hill, picked up a corner of one of the Irish colors, kissed it, and said, “God bless the Irish flag.” Renowned Irish-American journalist Niall O’Dowd gives unprecedented insight into a relationship that began with mutual disdain. Lincoln saw the Irish as instinctive supporters of the Democratic opposition, while the Irish saw the English landlord class in Lincoln’s Republicans. But that dynamic would evolve, and the Lincoln whose first political actions included intimidating Irish voters at the polls would eventually hire Irish nannies and donate to the Irish famine fund. When he was voted into the White House, Lincoln surrounded himself with Irish staff, much to the chagrin of a senior aide who complained about the Hibernian cabal. And the Irish would repay Lincoln’s faith—their numbers and courage would help swing the Civil War in his favor, and among them would be some of his best generals and staunchest advocates.

The Irish Famine led to a mass exodus to America, where immigrants faced significant discrimination. Despite their hardships, these newcomers profoundly influenced American society. Key figures, including Henry Ford and JFK, contributed to various fields, while the Irish played crucial roles in the Civil War, labor unions, and the establishment of essential institutions like the Catholic Church and public services. Their legacy includes a rich cultural impact, highlighted by literary contributions from Nobel laureate Eugene O'Neill, shaping the nation in numerous ways.