Luminaries from every area of Irish society converged on the lawn of the US Ambassador’s Residence in Phoenix Park yesterday afternoon for the annual Fourth of July celebrations.
Some inclement weather failed to dampen the warm atmosphere or deter top figures from the world of sports, politics and entertainment coming along.
Although prospective ambassador Kevin O’Malley is still to formally take over the role, pending confirmation from the US Senate, stand-in chargé d’affaires Stuart Dwyer was revelling in the festive atmosphere, and even issued an invitation to the hapless Garth Brooks to play a concert in the residence.
In what can only be described as a typically exuberant display of American showmanship, the 3,000 guests were treated to an aerial extravaganza as parachutists delivered the match ball to a makeshift eight-a-side American football field in the back garden, put together by Croke Park ground staff for the occasion.
Teams including sporting greats such as All-Ireland champions Jason Sherlock, Tomás Quinn and Leinster’s Jamie Heaslip, as well as embassy staff and local players, put on a riveting display for the amassed crowds, which included political figures such as Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald, Fine Gael’s new MEP Brian Hayes and Fianna Fáil’s rebel council candidate Mary Hanafin among others.
Ireland’s newest silver-screen sensation Jack Reynor also dropped in having played a starring role in the latest Transformers movie, while Dublin band Little Green Cars provided the half-time entertainment amid the incessant rain as most guests sought comfort in the confines of the various all-you-can-drink marquees dotted around the estate.
Adding a more sombre note to proceedings, Mr Dwyer made clear his belief that it is only a matter of time before immigration-reform measures for some 50,000 undocumented Irish immigrants in the US are ratified.
“The president . . . has talked about taking certain measures based on executive action. I’m hopeful over the longer term that we’ll be able to get to a deal on this.
“Politically, it’s challenging, but absolutely [it is achievable] over a period of time,” said Mr Dwyer, who will remain head of American consular affairs in Ireland until the new ambassador’s confirmation, which is expected in the coming months.
Given the larger-than-life character that was former ambassador Dan Rooney it was no surprise to see the regalia of his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers abound throughout the event, and Mr Dwyer is hopeful of continuing the progress in relations made during the previous incumbent’s reign ahead of the new regime.
“Ireland is one of the foremost export platforms for American firms which allows them to be successful in Europe and beyond, so we have a strong interest in seeing American firms do well. It’s very heartening that it’s a two-way story, you see more and more Irish investment in the United States,” he said of the countries’ booming transatlantic trade cycle.