Celebrate St. Patrick's Day and read about this fascinating Irish-American

On St. Patrick's Day, we remember Irish contributions to American history. There were presidents (Kennedy and Reagan), authors and movie stars (F. Scott Fitzgerald and James Cagney) and many more.

One figure especially stands out. He was militantly proud of his Celtic heritage. Part hero, part scamp and a whole lot in between, his death could have been an "Unsolved Mysteries" episode.

This is the story of Thomas Francis Meagher, the Irishman's Irishman.

He was born in 1823 in Waterford, Ireland (home of the famous crystal) where his father was mayor. Young Meagher had the gift of Blarney. His silver tongue moved and inspired listeners.

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