Plans are being made to honour an Irishman who became a high-ranking figure in the American civil war.
Michael Corcoran rose to the rank of general in the conflict and recruited four regiments in the Union cause, almost exclusively of Irish-born volunteers, and were collectively known as the Corcoran Legion.
The legion survived its leader's death in 1863, but was then all but wiped out in a clash with the legendary General Robert E Lee in the Battle of Cold Harbour a year afterwards.
Corcoran was born near the small town of Ballymote, Co Sligo, and now a campaign has been launched to pay a tribute to him on his home soil.
The effort is being spearheaded by local Fine Gael TD Mr John Perry.
The aim is to create a life-sized bronze statue of Corcoran who left Ireland in 1849 after working for the Revenue Police, who attempted to curb poteen-distilling operations.
Mr Perry this weekend addressed a New York meeting of Sligo men and women based in the United States, outlining in the process the role played by the people like Corcoran and the Irish Brigade as a whole in the American civil war.
He pointed out that during a five year period from 1847, more than 5,000 people from his home county emigrated to the United States, among them Michael Corcoran.
Mr Perry added: "It seems appropriate that steps should now be taken to commemorate in his native Ballymote this somewhat forgotten Sligoman."
He said the tribute to Corcoran would involve an American-Irish initiative.
PA