The Legacy Behind Notre Dame’s Iconic Fighting Irish Mascot
Exploring the Civil War Roots of Notre Dame’s Fighting Spirit and the Legacy of the Brave Irish Brigade.
Setting the Scene: A Historical Pre-Game Warm-Up
As Notre Dame prepares to take the field in the College Football National Championship on Monday, January 20th, we’re diving into a historical pre-game warm-up. The story of the Fighting Irish—the name, the spirit, and the legacy—extends far beyond the football field. Its roots are in the bravery and sacrifice of Irish immigrant soldiers during the Civil War, embodied by the legendary 69th New York Infantry Militia, known as the Fighting 69th.
The Origins of “Fighting Irish”
The nickname "Fighting Irish" has multiple origins, all tied to the grit, determination, and spirit of the Irish-American community.
Civil War Legacy: The term was first associated with the Irish Brigade, a group of Union soldiers renowned for their bravery during the Civil War. Their chaplain, Father William Corby, would later become Notre Dame’s third president, bringing their legacy to campus (Corby, 1893).
1909 Halftime Speech: During a game against Michigan, a player reportedly inspired his teammates by exclaiming, "What's the matter with you guys? You're all Irish and you're not fighting worth a lick" (Hoffman, 2003).
Media Influence: The press adopted the nickname to describe Notre Dame’s teams, emphasizing their fighting spirit and Irish identity (Cavanaugh, 1949).
Student Pride and Underdog Spirit: The term gained traction among student press agents who highlighted Notre Dame’s tenacity on and off the field (Schlereth, 2007).
Historical Influences: Figures like Irish freedom fighter Éamon de Valera, who visited Notre Dame in 1919, and the reputation of Irish people as fierce fighters further cemented the name’s connection to the university (Cavanaugh, 1949).
The Fighting 69th: A Legacy of Valor
During the Civil War, over 200,000 Irish immigrants served in the Union Army, with none more renowned than the 69th New York Infantry Regiment. Drawn from New York’s Irish immigrant community, the regiment endured deep discrimination at home yet exemplified extraordinary bravery on the battlefield.
Known for their motto, “Faugh a Ballagh!” (Clear the Way!), the Fighting 69th earned their reputation in some of the Civil War’s most pivotal battles:
First and Second Battles of Bull Run
Battle of Antietam
Battle of Fredericksburg
Battle of Chancellorsville
Battle of Gettysburg
Overland Campaign
Siege of Petersburg
Appomattox Campaign
Their sacrifices made them a symbol of Irish-American pride and resilience, and their legacy remains one of the Civil War’s most inspiring stories (Bilby, 1997).
Thomas Francis Meagher: An Irish Rebel and Union Leader
Thomas Francis Meagher, the fearless leader of the Fighting 69th, embodied the spirit of Irish nationalism and the fight for freedom. Exiled by the British after leading the 1848 Irish Rebellion, Meagher arrived in America and quickly became a symbol of Irish resistance and pride (Bilby, 1997).
As a Union general, Meagher’s leadership inspired his men. He was often seen at the front lines, rallying his troops with unyielding courage. His passion for freedom and equality echoed in every charge, and his bravery on the battlefield became legendary (McPherson, 1988).
Meagher’s life ended mysteriously in 1867 when he disappeared from a steamboat en route to Montana, where he had been appointed territorial governor. His legacy, however, lives on through the Fighting 69th and their enduring contributions to American history (Bilby, 1997)
Father Corby: The Chaplain of the Fighting 69th
Father William Corby served as the chaplain for the Irish Brigade, offering spiritual solace to soldiers in their darkest hours. After the war, he became the third president of Notre Dame, bringing the Fighting Irish legacy to campus (Corby, 1893).
On the morning of July 2, 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg, Father Corby delivered one of the most profound moments of the war. Recognizing the gravity of the upcoming battle, he climbed onto a large rock and gave general absolution—a collective forgiveness of sins—to the soldiers of the Irish Brigade. Many of these men were Catholic and understood the absolution as spiritual preparation for their potential deaths. This moment is depicted in the 1993 film Gettysburg: VIDEO LINK
Father Corby later recounted, “I absolve you of all your sins, conditionally, that you join with me in this prayer and that you will do your duty bravely in the fight.” This moment, etched in history, symbolizes both the soldiers’ deep faith and their willingness to sacrifice for their cause (Corby, 1893).
Today, a statue of Father Corby depicting this moment stands on Notre Dame’s campus as a tribute to his role in both the Irish Brigade’s history and the university’s identity.
History Echoes in College Mascots and Team Names
As Notre Dame takes the field against the Ohio State Buckeyes, it’s worth noting that the Buckeye nickname also has ties to the Civil War, representing the steadfast soldiers from Ohio who played a key role in preserving the Union. Similarly, the Michigan Wolverines trace their name back to the Civil War era, drawing inspiration from General George Custer’s famed Michigan Cavalry Brigade, often called the "Wolverines," whose bravery on the battlefield became legendary. On the other hand, some Confederate-inspired nicknames like the LSU Tigers and the Carolina Tar Heels remain in use, reflecting a darker side of the war’s legacy. These names serve as a reminder of the Confederacy’s fight to uphold slavery, underscoring the need to critically examine how history permeates our everyday lives, even in something as modern as college athletics.
From the Fighting Irish to the Buckeyes, these nicknames serve as reminders that our shared history is all around us, shaping our traditions and identities in ways we often overlook. As we cheer for our teams, let’s also take a moment to remember the stories and sacrifices behind these names and the enduring lessons they offer us about resilience, courage, and the complexities of our past.
References
Bilby, J. G. (1997). The Irish Brigade in the Civil War: The 69th New York and Other Irish Regiments of the Army of the Potomac. Da Capo Press.
Cavanaugh, J. F. (1949). Notre Dame: Reminiscences of an Era. Bruce Publishing Company.
Corby, W. (1893). Memoirs of Chaplain Life: Three Years with the Irish Brigade in the Army of the Potomac. LaFayette, Indiana.
Hoffman, R. C. (2003). The Fighting Irish: The Story of Notre Dame Football. Sports Publishing LLC.
McPherson, J. M. (1988). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
Schlereth, T. J. (2007). Notre Dame and the Civil War: Marching Onward to Victory. University of Notre Dame Press.