John Eagan : Short Biography

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John Eagan

Athenry (Galway) Loughrea (Galway)

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The Battle of Salamanca, made famous by Tolstoy's War and Peace, which saw a hard-fought Anglo-Portuguese victory over the French in Spain took place on 22 July 1812. Among the wounded victors was Athenry’s John Eagan of the 11th foot who lost his eye in a gunpowder explosion. In total, the Allied losses were 5,000 (with 3,129 Brit-ish dead or wounded), whereas the French suffered about 13,000 dead, wounded, and captured. Thereafter, the 11th regiment became known as ‘the Bloody Eleventh’. More fortunate was Roger Mitchell from Kiltollough, one of eight Loughreamen to enlist in the 11th in 1808 alone, who survived to discharge. Pictured is the ‘Battle of Salamanca’ by William Heath.

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I am an Aussie Keegan descended from Ballymacormick, Co. Longford, circa 1800. I have researched the Mac Aodhagain Religious Leaders and Brehons across Ireland extensively. To date I have undertaken YDNA testing and am listed on the FTDNA Clan Egan Project, Group 2, with Egan matches at Creach and Ardrahan, Galway. As well I have three Eagan matches, teo of who I know live in the USA.

I am aware of the loss of a Mac Aodhagain Chief in each of the Battles of Athenry and also of the marriage of Thomas Bermingham, 3rd Lord Athenry and Edina McEgan in the 15th Century.

Link to Clan Egan - https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/clan-egan/about

Cheers

Col K