‘Zeal and Patriotism’: Forging Identity in the Irish Militia, 1793‐1802
Ciaran McDonnell
Journal for 18th Century Studies, Volume42, Issue2, June 2019, Pages 211-228

Abstract

The Irish Militia, formed in 1793 to defend Ireland from French invasion, represented almost two‐thirds of the British garrison in Ireland during the French Revolutionary Wars. The Irish Militia was also significant as it was a coming together of the upper‐class Anglo‐Irish Protestant military tradition, represented by the officer corps, and the Catholic majority, who filled the ranks. This article explores how successfully or unsuccessfully these competing Irish identities came together in the Donegal Regiment of Militia, examining how the officers overcame challenges and fostered a regimental identity that was capable of weathering the violence of the 1798 rebellion.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1754-0208.12612