For most living in Ireland, the fourth of July holds no further significance than a date at the start of another summer month. Those with American connections, however, marked the day by celebrating the United States’ 235th year of independence from Britain.
In Dublin, US Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney presented a particular sampling of American flair in his second annual Irish American Flag Football Classic and Family Fun Day, held at the ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park.
The event drew around 2,400 partygoers – including Government officials, diplomats, cultural and academic figures and their families – to the ambassador’s manicured lawn for an American-style football game and family-oriented picnic.
Both American and Irish flags adorned the outdoor space as revellers of all ages helped themselves to hot dogs and red-white-and-blue cupcakes, while American and Irish songs alternated from the loudspeakers.
“It’s a fun atmosphere, and it’s more diverse than I expected,” said Caris Hall, an American college student who is working at the Dáil this summer.
Julia Fuller, another American Dáil intern, agreed and commented on the Irish-American camaraderie palpable throughout the event: “In terms of Irish-American relations, it’s neat to see one Irish and one American announcer [at the football game].”
This sentiment of Irish-American unity was reinforced by videos and images of US President Obama’s visit to Ireland, projected constantly on large video screens on the perimeter of the football field.
Though it’s been over a month since Obama touched down on Irish soil, the images of his speech gave the event a weightier, more politically engaged tone.
“Ambassador Rooney was the one who got Obama to come,” explained Karyn Posner-Mullen, director of the office of public affairs for the US Embassy. “His visit resonates still. It reaffirmed the relationship between the US and Ireland.”
Posner-Mullen also emphasised the uniqueness of Ireland’s connection to the United States in terms of multiculturalism.
“There are 190 different nationalities represented in Ireland at this point,” she said. “The stereotypical Ireland that everyone thinks of isn’t true anymore, and Ireland’s still getting used to it.”
By analysing and adapting American tools for increasing diversity and integration, said Posner-Mullen, Ireland can take a cue from the “melting pot” mentality of American culture.
“This is a learning experience,” she said, “but through the younger generations and partnerships with NGOs and other initiatives, Ireland is working to understand diversity.”
