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.
Areas of Expertise
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.
The 3 Key Battles That Decided the Franco-Prussian War
Three battles in the space of a fortnight in the late summer of 1870 decided the outcome of the Franco-Prussian War and changed Europe forever.
How the Plantation of Ulster Transformed Irish Society
A concerted colonial policy to pacify a once rebellious region, the Plantation of Ulster, had a transformative effect on Ireland and the British Isles.
How the Flight of the Earls Changed Irish History Forever
The Flight of the Earls marked the end of the Gaelic order in Ireland and the beginning of a turbulent time for the native population.
6 Developments Which Revolutionized Early Modern European Warfare
Military developments during the 16th and 17th centuries saw the end of the medieval knight and rise of infantry formations that dominated the battlefield.
James II vs. William of Orange (Williamite War in Ireland)
The Battle of the Boyne and the wider Williamite War pitted two rival kings in a conflict of European significance that still affects Ireland today.
The Nine Years’ War: The End of Gaelic Ireland
The Nine Years’ War at the turn of the 17th century marked the end of the autonomy of the Gaelic lords in Ireland.