County Offaly, located in Ireland’s Eastern and Midland Region, is named after the ancient Kingdom of Uí Failghe. Formerly known as King’s County, its local authority is Offaly County Council. According to the 2022 census, the population stands at 82,668, with several towns and villages contributing to its rich culture.
For more reading on this soldier: https://americasoffalyheroes.com/2025/11/07/john-renehan-born-in-county-offaly-part-of-the-union-garrison-at-fort-sumter-on-friday-12th-april-1861/
William Delaney, a member of the 43rd New York Infantry Regiment, died of disease at 20 in Philadelphia during the Civil War. His mother applied for a pension, relying on him for support. His headstone at Philadelphia National Cemetery misspells his surname as “Delancy,” a mistake Danny Leavy aims to correct.
William Wallis (1836-1901) emigrated from Ireland to America in 1839 after the death of his mother. He served as a First Lieutenant in the 117th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War, participating in key battles. Later, he became a Methodist minister, dedicating 35 years to his faith. A letter from 1885 reveals his pride in his Irish heritage. Wallis passed away in 1901.
William Larkin, born in Banagher, Ireland, in 1828, served in the 49th Wisconsin Infantry during 1865. His granddaughter, Loretto Paul, ensured his military service was recognised posthumously by securing a military headstone in 1969. Larkin’s grave remained unmarked as a veteran until her efforts in honouring his legacy.
Born in Banagher, County Offaly, Ireland in 1821, William Galvin emigrated to the USA settling in Albany, New York. He enlisted into the 104th New York Infantry Regiment in December 1861 at 40 years of age. Seeing action at several major battles he was eventually shot and killed in “The Cornfield” at Antietam. His family were informed of his death in a letter written by a comrade detailing his fate.
Thomas Sale, born in 1843 in Edenderry, Ireland. Emigrated to the USA in 1849 with his family. He enlisted in the Union Army in August 1862 but was captured by Confederate forces in December 1863. Can we finally tell his story which has been hidden for over 160 years? Is he the same Thomas Sale that died in the infamous Andersonville Prison, Georgia in August 1864?
Tim Costello originally from Ferbane in County Offaly founder of Costello’s Bar in New York. A place often frequented by some of America’s most famous literary figures.
Born In Edenderry, Co. Offaly Michael Malone served in the 15th Kentucky Regiment. Struck by a cannon ball during The Battle of Perryville he died on the 8th October 1862.
A newly discovered letter adds more details to the tragic story of Patrick Derivan from Lusmagh, Co. Offaly. A Civil War soldier we previously documented in December of 2024.
Born in Shinrone, Co. Offaly, Dennis Delaney served in the Fighting 69th New York Infantry during the US Civil War. Wounded at the Battle Of Fredericksburg he died in January 1863 at Stanton Hospital, Washington DC.
