'A BATTLE OF GIANTS': WATERLOO, WELLINGTON AND IRELAND. (cover story)

The article explores the role of Irish soldiers in the Battle of Waterloo between British forces under the command of the Duke of Wellington and French forces under the command of emperor Napoleon. Emphasis is given to topics such as British cavalry used to repulse a French infantry assault, the reputation of the Irish peer the Second earl of Portarlington, and the legacy of the battle. INSETS: THE ROAD TO WATERLOO;THE BUTCHER'S BILL;WATERLOO IN POEM, SONG AND STAGE.