Plans to honour Sligo-born American war hero

Plans are being made to honour a Sligo man 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 Ballymote, Co Sligo, and now a campaign has been launched to pay a tribute to him on his home soil.

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.