Latest news with #Nagle

Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial Day sunset service in cemetery recalls bugler
POTTSVILLE — Before James Nagle was a general in the Civil War, he led a company of Pennsylvania volunteers to Mexico City during the Mexican-American War in 1846-48. There, Nagle befriended a young Mexican boy, Emerguildo Marquiz, whom he adopted and raised in his Pottsville home. In 1861, Nagle would recruit volunteers for the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, sometimes referred to as the Schuylkill County regiment, in response to President Abraham Lincoln's call to arms. And, following in his adopted father's footsteps, Emerguildo joined the regiment as bugler in the 3rd PA Cavalry. Tom Shay shows portrait of Emerguildo Marquiz, a bugler in the Civil War at Memorial Day service in Charles Baber Cemetery. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO Tom Shay recounted the touching story at a sunset service on Memorial Day in Charles Baber Cemetery. Saying Memorial Day is about sacrifice and remembrance, Shay said Emerguildo learned music and was educated by the Nagle family. He's also buried near the monument of Gen. Nagle in the United Presbyterian Church cemetery in Pottsville. 'Emerguildo is definitely memorialized,' said Shay, an authority of area residents who served in the Civil War. In brief remarks before a crowd of about 50 people, Shay also mentioned Nicholas Biddle, a Black man from Pottsville who was one of the first casualties of the Civil War. A member of Pottsville's Washington Artillerists militia, part of the First Defenders, Biddle was injured by rioters as the unit passed through Baltimore on April 18, 1861. He is buried in Bethel AME Cemetery, Pottsville. Biddle is memorialized on a Dave Naydock mural at Centre and Nichols streets in Pottsville, along with Gen. George Joulwan and other city personalities. In another story of remembrance, Shay talked about the restoration of Lt. Curtis Clay Pollock's grave marker in Charles Baber. Some years ago, Shay discovered the obelisk lying on the ground in pieces. Staff members at Charles Baber restored it and repositioned it on Pollock's grave. 'That did justice to Lt. Pollock's service,' he said. 'That's what he deserved because he gave his life for his country.' Dr. Kurt Kovalovich, left, Tom Shay and Vincent Prestileo at Memorial Day service in Charles Baber Cemetery on May 26, 2025. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO Dr. Kurt K. Kovalovich, priest-in-charge at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pottsville, said it was an honor to offer a prayer for those who served and died. 'On this Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who gave the full measure of their lives, and we pray that they will be granted eternal peace,' he said. 'We also pray for their families who still grieve so that they will know their lives have not been given in vain.' Vincent Prestileo, a former of the Pottsville High School band who just completed his freshman year at Penn State Schuylkill campus, performed the timeless ritual of respect and reverence that concludes the day at U.S. military installations. With a glint of the setting sun glowing through the tops of sturdy oaks, Prestileo faced the western sky and concluded the service with 'Taps.'


Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Fancy owning a regal Cork property that is reputed to have once slept King James II?
Carrigacunna Castle is a breathtakingly-restored Georgian abode set alongside a beautifully-preserved Norman-style tower house, both commanding a spectacular position overlooking the meandering River Blackwater in North Cork, and once reportedly hosted King James II. The Castle is situated just off the L1224 road, between Killavullen and Ballyhooly, right in the heart of the Blackwater valley and only a few minutes down the road from nearby Mallow. It had previously been put up for sale in 2024 under online auctioneer 'Auctioneera' at €2.7 million, but has now been placed back on the market at a slightly cheaper asking price. This property, part of which was originally built by Henry Foott in 1826, boasts an unrivalled elevated position, offering panoramic views of the Blackwater Valley, extending toward the Ballyhoura and Galtee mountains. The house comes with 7,500 square feet of space, the historic Norman tower house next door, as well as an indoor swimming pool. However, with a €2.5 million price tag, only a royal bank account will be able to afford this magnificent old building. One of the estate's most remarkable features is its tower house castle, a superbly preserved 16th-century structure built by the Nagle family. This Anglo-Irish stronghold stands as a testament to the area's medieval history. Sir Richard Nagle of Clogher, a key figure in the Irish Parliament of 1689, was among the prominent members of the family. The castle which has been fully restored, offers a rare glimpse into Ireland's feudal past and provides a stunning contrast to the modern elements of the estate. The Nagle family have a Norman lineage that established a stronghold in the area. Among the most notable figures in the family was Sir Richard Nagle, who served as private secretary to King James II. Following the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of the Boyne in 1692, Sir Richard Nagle forfeited the estate. According to legend, King James II spent a night at Carrigacunna during his retreat. In the 19th century, the Footts undertook extensive enhancements to the estate. The Georgian residence was expanded to include a three-bay extension, and the grounds were landscaped to incorporate a grand 1 km-long beech-lined avenue, rising parallel to the river and leading to the main house. Over the past two decades, Carrigacunna has undergone an exceptional transformation, blending historical elements with striking contemporary design. The property also features two double-height glazed atriums, seamlessly linking the traditional architecture with modern elements. The residence includes four main reception rooms and three luxurious bedroom suites. Additionally, the first-floor offices could easily be converted into extra bedroom accommodation if required. There is also a one-bedroom annex located in the Fisherman's cottage adjoining the main house which would be ideal for guests. A notable feature is the indoor swimming pool, which Estate Agents Lisney Sotheby's says, 'adds an element of leisure and sophistication'. Meanwhile, the estate itself spans approximately 18.2 hectares (45 acres), with 5 acres dedicated to pasture, 37 acres of woodland, and the remaining 3 acres comprising gardens and amenity spaces. On the estate is a walled garden spanning approximately one acre. Within this enclosed space lies a refurbished Victorian glasshouse, alongside carefully cultivated vegetable, flower, and rose gardens. An orchard and soft fruit areas provide seasonal produce, while a chicken run and potting shed enhance the estate's self-sufficiency. Lisney Sotheby's says that Carrigacunna is not only a 'remarkable private residence' but also a 'historic landmark that has been thoughtfully restored to honour its past while embracing modern luxury. 'With its commanding views, extraordinary architecture, and extensive lands, this property represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Ireland's rich heritage in one of the country's most picturesque and desirable locations' says Lisney Sotheby's. In 2019, the site sold for €1.485 million, but since the restoration the property is now on the market at a whopping €2.5 million, making it the fifth most expensive property for public sale in Cork at the moment.


Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Fancy owning a regal North Cork property that is reputed to have once slept King James II?
Carrigacunna Castle is a breathtakingly-restored Georgian abode set alongside a beautifully-preserved Norman-style tower house, both commanding a spectacular position overlooking the meandering River Blackwater in North Cork, and once reportedly hosted King James II. The Castle is situated just off the L1224 road, between Killavullen and Ballyhooly, right in the heart of the Blackwater valley and only a few minutes down the road from nearby Mallow. It had previously been put up for sale in 2024 under online auctioneer 'Auctioneera' at €2.7 million, but has now been placed back on the market at a slightly cheaper asking price. This property, part of which was originally built by Henry Foott in 1826, boasts an unrivalled elevated position, offering panoramic views of the Blackwater Valley, extending toward the Ballyhoura and Galtee mountains. The house comes with 7,500 square feet of space, the historic Norman tower house next door, as well as an indoor swimming pool. However, with a €2.5 million price tag, only a royal bank account will be able to afford this magnificent old building. One of the estate's most remarkable features is its tower house castle, a superbly preserved 16th-century structure built by the Nagle family. This Anglo-Irish stronghold stands as a testament to the area's medieval history. Sir Richard Nagle of Clogher, a key figure in the Irish Parliament of 1689, was among the prominent members of the family. The castle which has been fully restored, offers a rare glimpse into Ireland's feudal past and provides a stunning contrast to the modern elements of the estate. The Nagle family have a Norman lineage that established a stronghold in the area. Among the most notable figures in the family was Sir Richard Nagle, who served as private secretary to King James II. Following the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of the Boyne in 1692, Sir Richard Nagle forfeited the estate. According to legend, King James II spent a night at Carrigacunna during his retreat. In the 19th century, the Footts undertook extensive enhancements to the estate. The Georgian residence was expanded to include a three-bay extension, and the grounds were landscaped to incorporate a grand 1 km-long beech-lined avenue, rising parallel to the river and leading to the main house. Over the past two decades, Carrigacunna has undergone an exceptional transformation, blending historical elements with striking contemporary design. The property also features two double-height glazed atriums, seamlessly linking the traditional architecture with modern elements. ADVERTISEMENT The residence includes four main reception rooms and three luxurious bedroom suites. Additionally, the first-floor offices could easily be converted into extra bedroom accommodation if required. There is also a one-bedroom annex located in the Fisherman's cottage adjoining the main house which would be ideal for guests. A notable feature is the indoor swimming pool, which Estate Agents Lisney Sotheby's says, 'adds an element of leisure and sophistication'. Meanwhile, the estate itself spans approximately 18.2 hectares (45 acres), with 5 acres dedicated to pasture, 37 acres of woodland, and the remaining 3 acres comprising gardens and amenity spaces. On the estate is a walled garden spanning approximately one acre. Within this enclosed space lies a refurbished Victorian glasshouse, alongside carefully cultivated vegetable, flower, and rose gardens. An orchard and soft fruit areas provide seasonal produce, while a chicken run and potting shed enhance the estate's self-sufficiency. Lisney Sotheby's says that Carrigacunna is not only a 'remarkable private residence' but also a 'historic landmark that has been thoughtfully restored to honour its past while embracing modern luxury. 'With its commanding views, extraordinary architecture, and extensive lands, this property represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Ireland's rich heritage in one of the country's most picturesque and desirable locations' says Lisney Sotheby's. In 2019, the site sold for €1.485 million, but since the restoration the property is now on the market at a whopping €2.5 million, making it the fifth most expensive property for public sale in Cork at the moment.

The National
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
LGBT+ Americans living in Scotland fear return to Trump's US
Donald Trump has signed a number of executive orders since returning to office in January which directly target the rights of LGBT+ people, who make up around 9% of the US population. In just a few short months, the US president has: Mandated that there are only two sexes, effectively erasing federal recognition of trans and non-binary identities Blocked changes to gender markers on official documents, meaning trans people can no longer have their acquired gender on their passport Banned gender-affirming care for minors, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy Restricted trans athletes from participating in women's sports Barred trans people from serving in the military Terminated all federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, as well as targeting DEI initiatives in higher education Appointed judges opposed to LGBT+ and reproductive rights Banned the teaching of "gender ideology" in K-12 schools Directed federal agencies to remove references to trans individuals and LGBT+ rights from official materials and websites The National spoke to LGBT+ Americans currently living in Scotland about the current climate, and whether they would feel safe to return to the US. 'People will get hurt and killed' Alice Nagle, a social anthropologist living in Edinburgh, has been in Scotland since 2014. She moved here to start a PhD programme, and then met her husband, with whom she has two young children. Trump was in his first term in the White House when Nagle, who identifies as bisexual, was deciding whether she was going to stay in Scotland. 'We knew even then that there was just no way that we were going to want to go to America and especially have a family in America,' she told The National. US president Donald Trump'It's been incredible in a bad way. It's been hard to understand sometimes how much things have changed in such a short period of time. I know that it hasn't really been a short period, this shift has been happening for decades, but to me since Donald Trump's election it really did seem like such a dramatic shift in one direction. 'Since his re-election, things have changed so quickly. This administration in particular has taken such swift action that it's clear they've been planning for a long time and have known exactly how to enact in really rapid succession. 'That's really frightening to me because it's hard to know where it's going to end up and how far it's going to get before anyone is able to put a stop on it.' READ MORE: 'Public land taken': What I saw at Donald Trump's new Scottish golf course Nagle said that the language used to talk about the LGBT+ community would lead to people being 'negatively affected, hurt and killed'. She said: 'It's not just the specific things about gender affirmation care, but also how vague a lot of the rhetoric that comes out of the administration is towards trans people in particular. 'It's frightening because it gives a carte blanche mandate to people who have hatred for trans people, the LGBT+ community and for any kind of difference. 'It's wrapped up inextricably with the administration's attitude towards immigrants, it's all part of the same package. We can't, as LGBT+ people, look at the immigrant community or trans people and think this doesn't apply to us, or this isn't affecting us just yet. 'I'm bisexual, I'm in a hetero-passing relationship. I don't think that means that my family would be okay if we were in the US, but it ultimately doesn't matter if we personally would be okay. 'It's clear that so many people are going to be negatively affected, hurt and killed by what's coming out of the Trump administration.' Nagle said that while she did not feel particularly at risk should she return to the US – because she could 'pass' as heterosexual – she was worried about her children growing up there. She told The National: 'I'm in a privileged position where I think if I needed to, I could just lie and no one will really question my sexuality as a cis, femme-presenting woman. 'I don't feel like I'm particularly at risk by some of the rhetoric that's coming out, especially about womanhood or how women are supposed to present or look. I wouldn't feel like I couldn't get a job, although I might have to lie at my job, which is something that I've done before. 'But I have two small children and I don't know what their identity is going to turn out to be. If they have any kind of gender difference or if they're LGBT+, I couldn't imagine subjecting them to what's going on in America knowing that I could have brought them up somewhere that was safer for them.' READ MORE: How popular is Donald Trump after 100 days as US President? Nagle added that the UK was more accepting of LGBT+ people than the US, although the recent Supreme Court gender ruling made that more 'difficult'. Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that "women" were defined by biological sex under the Equality Act 2010, meaning that trans women with a gender recognition certificate can be excluded from single-sex spaces if "proportionate". 'It's unfortunate, it does seem that where the US goes, the UK is tending to follow, and we're all just hoping that it doesn't ever get as bad,' Nagle continued. 'We're not seeing the big pendulum swing here that we are seeing in the US, so it does still seem a much safer and more acceptable place for our children to be.' 'We're holding our breath' Spencer Kimball, 30, is a social worker also living in Edinburgh. After growing up in mainland Europe, he returned to the US for his undergraduate degree at university before coming to the UK for his masters. Kimball, who identifies as queer, told The National that the ongoing rollback of LGBT+ rights in the US was 'definitely scary'. 'I come from a red state, my family mainly lives in Utah and that's where I was living before, and it's likely one of the main places I would think of returning to when I go back,' he said. (Image: Spencer Kimball) 'In the last few months, Utah was the first state to ban LGBT+ flags in government buildings. With Trump, obviously he's signing executive orders, but what's happened in Utah with the flags, that's on a state level. 'It shows that Trump is emboldening people on more local levels for homophobia to be passed into law.' Kimball said he has 'big questions' about what life would be like if he returned to the US. He added: 'Even just basic rights about marriage, if I want to have kids – what would that look like? READ MORE: I tried to visit Donald Trump's cousins in Lewis. Here's how it went 'Laws around that are quite up in the air right now, and there's just too much uncertainty for me to want to go back to somewhere like Utah. 'There's a lot of question marks, a lot of the worst fears haven't happened yet in terms of overturning the right to marry and things like that. 'There's a kind of holding of the breath to see what's going to happen and if other politicians are going to be able to stand up to all this.' Kimball said that on a general level, given the current political climate, the US was not safe for LGBT+ people. 'The discussions and the policies that are being rolled out and the way it's being talked about is pretty bad,' he said. However, he added that because the US is such a big country, attitudes do differ and there are 'subcultures' which speak out against the rollback of LGBT+ rights. Image: PAKimball said: 'Something that's beautiful about the US is that there's a lot of resistance, there is a lot of protests, there's a lot of community to help people feel safe. That is something I actually appreciate about the US.' On the recent Supreme Court ruling, Kimball said: 'Being in Scotland, part of the reason that the Supreme Court ruling was so jarring was because it countered Scottish legislators trying to be more inclusive. 'It's similar to the US in terms of reading the articles and seeing the discussion around this. It's a lot of not great, unsafe things for queer people. 'But on a personal level, I do feel safe living here.' A spokesperson for the Equality Network, a Scottish charity which advocates for LGBT+ equality and human rights, told The National that the organisation worked to improve the lives of all LGBT+ people living in Scotland – regardless of where they come from.


BBC News
04-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
MoD soldiers using immersive room to train for war
Military personnel have been using an immersive room that replicates a front line war scenario. "Similar to escape rooms without the riddles", the Babcock Immersive Training Experience (BITE), has been used at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Filton, Bristol and Warminster, shakes, smells and can smoke in an effort to replicate what it feels like to be on the front line in a war situation, and may one day be used for further military Nagle, warrant officer (WO), said: "I think this is as close as you are going to get to the real thing." Babcock International, defence firm based in Bristol, created BITE as a way to help soldiers and commanders be battle-ready. Mikaela Green, training capability director at Babcock, said it aims to ensure "operational readiness"."The ability to practise and sustain your knowledge in an environment that is as close to operational realism as possible is critical," she added. She said they were aiming to close the gap between classroom education and real life saying it works military personnel's "muscle memory". "We've created the opportunity to have full immersion."A Babcock spokesperson added it was "similar to escape rooms without the riddles".BITE also has visual and biometric feeds that are monitored from a control room, meaning personnel can review their actions and learn. Military bosses based in the Defence Equipment and Support part of the MoD said they are always looking for new and emerging technologies. A spokesperson said: "The benefit of experiencing the BITE means that our teams can see and experience first-hand what is out there and available for use." WO Nagle recently tried the room at MoD Filton Abbey Wood and said it was a "sensory overload"."The indirect fire, all the things getting fed into you, the information from the drones, tracking where our troops are and where the enemies troops are... there was a lot going on."You've got smoke being injected in, you've got noise and vibrations, as well as the simulated indirect fire attack," he were tested on their decision-making capabilities while experiencing "as close to front line war as possible", he added.