In 1727, when the Spaniards besieged _Gibraltar_, a detachment from the regiments at Minorca proceeded to that fortress, under Colonel Cosby of the ROYAL IRISH regiment, to reinforce the garrison. This detachment took part in the successful defence of Gibraltar against the power of Spain, and when the siege was raised, it returned to Minorca. [Sidenote: 1732] [Sidenote: 1735] [Sidenote: 1742] While the regiment was at Minorca, Colonel Cosby was succeeded by Sir Charles Hotham, Baronet, in 1732; and, in 1735, King George II. nominated Colonel John Armstrong to the colonelcy. This officer, dying in 1742, was succeeded by Colonel John Mordaunt, from the forty-seventh regiment. In the same year, the ROYAL IRISH regiment was relieved from duty at Minorca, and returned to England: it landed at Portsmouth and Southampton, and marched to Taunton, and the neighbouring towns, where it passed the winter. [Sidenote: 1743] From Taunton the regiment marched, in the spring of 1743, to Exeter and Plymouth, where it was reviewed by Lieut.-General Lord Tyrawley. [Sidenote: 1744] In the spring of 1744, the regiment marched to Richmond, and other towns near Hounslow Heath, and was reviewed by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland. "The regiment gained great reputation by its discipline and good appearance, and had the pleasure of being assured of His Royal Highness' approbation."[29] After the review, the regiment marched to Fareham, and mounted guard over the French and Spanish prisoners at Portchester Castle. [Sidenote: 1745]