That mouthful of a word is the proper name for a 250th Anniversary. But itis a lot easier to just say “America250”, the official designation for the collective efforts to honor and recognize the 250th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence declaring no Kings and no autocracy.
July 4th, 2026 will be the 250th. Irish America 250 has been formed to focus on the contributions of the Irish to the founding and building of our great and blessed Nation
Historically, September 13th is known as Commodore Barry Day, a day to celebrate and remember The Father of the United States Navy: Commodore John Barry, a native of County Wexford. General George Washington granted Barry the very first Naval Commission of the fledgling American Nation on March 14th, 1776, cementing his role as Father of the U.S. Navy. This September will be a good kick-off for Irish Americans to start to take stock of the indispensable contributions of Irish immigrants to the founding and building of the American nation, working towards the big finale next July.
Open Race
The race for the 10th President of the Irish Republic must take place by November 11th, 2025. The President is the head of State, as opposed to the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), who is the head of Government. The Office is highly regarded but limited in power, a largely ceremonial role.
Michael D. Higgins is completing the second of two, seven-year terms, reaching the term limits. Aras An Uachtaráin is the name of the Presidential Mansion located in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. With the race only a couple of months away, the contest has been very low key to date.
The major political parties do not automatically nominate a candidate from their respective political party
ranks. Often an Independent candidate is successful. To date, the names that have been cited in civic and media circles include: Mairead McGuiness, Fine Gael E.U. Commissioner; Sean Kelly, GAA President and MEP; Mary Lou McDonald, President of Sinn Féin; Bertie Ahern, former Fianna Fail Taoiseach; MMA Fighter Connor McGregor; Lord of the Dance’s Michael Flatley; musician Frances Black; and veteran DFA Diplomat and current Irish Ambassador to the U.S., Geraldine Byrne Nason.
Quite a diverse group. Unlike U.S. Presidential races, Irish Presidential contests have a blissful short duration. The Dublin Government continues to fail to expand the vote for president to all 32 counties; do not let up on pushing the Coalition government currently in power to deliver on this straightforward and fair goal. Look for the newest resident in Phoenix Park before Thanksgiving.
Yikes, 200%
President Don dTrump has threatened Ireland with a 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals sold from Eire to U.S.A. Pharma has been a key factor in the amazing growth of the Irish economy. These level of tariffs would devastate the Irish job market.
Approximately 25% of American pharmaceuticals are imported from the Emerald Isle. Almost $64 Billion in sales, “Magically delicious.”
Save the Date
This year’s Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day, September 17th, 2025, is a date to mark on your calendars. The Irish American Archives Society is planning on hosting a reception to provide the opportunity to have a numbered, signed print by Ohio artist Tim Callaghan (TimothyCallaghan.com).
Mike Coyne and his colleagues at the Irish American Charitable Foundation commissioned Callaghan to create a work of art to celebrate the history of Cleveland’s Irish Town Bend and the work being done to build an inspiring park along the banks of the mighty Cuyahoga River. Keep your eye on the Archives website: www.irisharchives.org for further details.
At your choice, one can pair the numbered, signed print with a limited batch of Irish Town Bend Whiskey, barrel aged in Great Lakes Brewery casks. Funds raised will be used to continue the work of the Archives Society in support of research of the history of Irish Town Bend. Don’t miss this happening, ‘twill be grand.
2025 Open
One does not need to be a golfer to appreciate the beauty of the site of the 2025 Open Championship, Port Rois (Portrush), County Antrim, part of occupied Ireland. The Costal Causeway is one of the most beautiful areas of the Island.
Only three times in the 160-year history of the Open has it been played outside of Great Britain, all three times at Portrush (1951, 2019 & 2025). The links style course provides one of the most scenic and challenging settings.
This is the almost “home” course of Rory McIlroy, whereas a youthful teen set the course record of 61. Shane Lowry stoked Irish pride winning the 2019 Open Championship in Portrush. Much like St. Andrews, it’s not just the course, but the entire setting of a great seaside town and magnificent beaches and great history. The Course was first laid out in 1888. Nearby is the Giants Causeway and Dunluce Castle, the medieval castle home of Clan MacDonnell, which visually defines Port Rush. If you didn’t catch the Open last month on TV, check out the beauty on YouTube, or better yet, go visit in person, duffer or not.
McQuote
Daniel O’Connell, the Great Emancipator and friend of American Fredrick Douglas, stated: “I am the friend of liberty in every clime, class and colour. My sympathy is not confined to the limits of my own green island, my spirit walks abroad on sea and land, and wherever there is oppression, I hate the oppressor.”
Joyride
If you’re looking for a streaming Irish cinema selection for some rainy or oppressively hot summer eve, check out Joyride with Oscar Winner Olivia Coleman (The Crown). Teenager Charlie Reid steals a taxi with a sleeping Mom and infant in the back seat. A romp across Ireland provides a comedic backdrop while both characters help each other on more than a taxi journey.
Change Good for Change
A recent study by Ulster University and Dublin City University supports the economic argument for Irish Unity. Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty, TD stated: “The research published today rightly states that ‘the costs associated with Unity have tended to be exaggerated and the benefits of an all-Ireland economy largely ignored’. Irish Unity is an economic opportunity that we need to grasp. That means doing the preparation work now.
“Government needs to get into gear and get into step with the momentum behind Irish Unity. We need to see vision and leadership on this defining issue. This research leaves no doubt that this Irish Unity can deliver economic benefits to people across this Island.
“We need to build on this with confidence and ambition. Irish Unity is the future, and we need to begin preparing for that future now.”
