US DIPLOMATS and their guests celebrated America’s Independence Day in Ireland with an event at the American ambassador’s official residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin.
The Fourth of July celebration, hosted by chargé d’affaires Reece Smyth, was dubbed United We Rock and took place last night at Deerfield.
Some Irish politicians had chosen to stay away the event, however those who attended celebrated the many links between Ireland and America.
Among the guests were Fine Gael TDs Michael Noonan, Pat Breen and former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald as well as Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae.
In a speech, Mr Smyth praised Irishman Corporal Patrick Gallagher, who was given the US Navy Cross for heroically saving the lives of three comrades in Vietnam in 1966.
Cpl Gallagher died a year later after being shot while on patrol in Da Nang, however the USS Patrick Gallagher was named for him by the US Navy earlier this year.
Cork-based American singer Velvin Lamont sang the Star-Spangled Banner before the US Army's rock band took to the stage.
Guests were also treated to performances from Co. Westmeath indie band The Academic and Co. Meath singer Sibéal Ní Chasaide, who performed the Cranberries' Linger as gaeilge (video below).
— U.S. Embassy Dublin (@USEmbassyDublin) July 3, 2018