America 250 is much more than a commemoration of a historic milestone. It is an opportunity to reflect on the people, ideals, and partnerships that helped build this nation and continue to shape it today.
For Ireland, it is also a moment of profound significance. That is because when America reflects on its founding story, Ireland is woven throughout that story. We were here from the very beginning.
Indeed, long before the United States formally came into being, Irish-born and Irish-descended people were helping to shape the political, military, economic, and cultural foundations of this country.
Eight signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Irish heritage. Eight men who helped put their names to one of the most consequential documents in human history.
That fact alone reminds us that the Irish story is not a footnote in American history. It is part of the very first chapter.
Irish people did not simply come to America. Irish people helped make America.
The contributions of Irish-born and Irish-descended individuals can be found throughout the founding generation.
Charles Thomson, born in County Derry, served as Secretary of the Continental Congress for fifteen years and was entrusted with announcing the adoption of the Declaration of Independence itself.
Stephen Moylan, born in Cork, became one of George Washington’s most trusted military leaders and served as Quartermaster General of the Continental Army.
Washington’s relationship with the Irish was deep and enduring. He recognised the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of Irish soldiers who fought alongside him for independence.
Among them was Moylan, but he was far from alone. Twenty-two generals of Irish birth or descent served in the American Revolutionary War.
The father of the United States Navy, Commodore John Barry of County Wexford, helped secure American victory at sea and established traditions that continue within the U.S. Navy to this day.
General Henry Knox, whose family roots traced to Ireland, played a critical role in Washington’s campaigns and later became America’s first Secretary of War.
These are just a few examples among countless others. The story of Irish America is not a story that begins after independence. But it is present at the creation of the nation itself. And that brings me to one of the themes of this evening.
The extraordinary relationship between Ireland and the United States is not simply a diplomatic relationship between two countries. It is a relationship between peoples. A relationship built across generations. A relationship sustained through family ties, community ties, shared values, and shared history.
Perhaps nowhere is that connection more visible than in the White House itself. Of the 46 individuals who have served as President of the United States, 23 have claimed Irish ancestry. Twenty-three! That is exactly half.
That remarkable statistic speaks to the deep and enduring place of Ireland in the American story. What is equally striking is the geographic connection.
Eight Presidents trace their roots to Ulster, including several with roots in County Antrim.
From Ulster to Washington, from small towns and villages across Ireland to the highest office in the United States, the Irish journey is reflected in the story of American leadership.
Importantly, this story transcends politics. It transcends party. This story belongs to all Americans.
Presidents from across the political spectrum have proudly celebrated their Irish heritage. Andrew Jackson carried the legacy of his Ulster-Scots family. Theodore Roosevelt spoke often of his Irish ancestry and of the values it represented.
President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Ireland in 1963 remains one of the defining moments in modern Irish-American relations. President Ronald Reagan cherished his roots in Ballyporeen, County Tipperary. President Barack Obama inspired many with his visit to Moneygall, County Offaly. President Joe Biden has spoken movingly throughout his public life about the importance of family, heritage, and the Irish story.
Together, they remind us that Irish heritage has never belonged to one political tradition. It is woven across the entire fabric of American public life.
And yet while we celebrate those Presidents with Irish roots, it is also important to acknowledge Presidents without Irish ancestry who nonetheless played transformative roles in Ireland’s history.
President Calvin Coolidge warmly welcomed the establishment of the Irish Free State and strengthened the early diplomatic relationship between our countries.
President Jimmy Carter issued the first major U.S. policy statement on Northern Ireland in 1977, helping place peace and reconciliation firmly on the international agenda.
President Bill Clinton’s leadership and engagement helped create momentum for the peace process and contributed significantly to the achievement of the Good Friday Agreement.
President Trump has maintained a longstanding personal connection with Ireland through his family’s business interests in Doonbeg, County Clare. He has warmly welcomed Irish leaders to the White House, reflecting the enduring importance of the relationship between our two countries.
Their contributions remind us that support for Ireland has always extended far beyond heritage alone. It has been rooted in shared democratic values, friendship, and a common commitment to peace and prosperity.
Today, those ties are stronger than ever. Ireland and the United States enjoy one of the closest bilateral relationships anywhere in the world.
Our economic partnership supports hundreds of thousands of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. In fact, for those who don’t know, we are the fifth largest source of Foreign Direct Investment into the United States.
Our educational, cultural, scientific, and people-to-people connections continue to grow.
Our shared commitment to democracy, international cooperation, and opportunity remains as relevant today as it was 250 years ago.
This brings me to a very exciting campaign that launches tomorrow. As part of the broader Irish America 250 programme, the inimitable Kevin Sullivan and Maedhbh McCullagh have led the development of an ambitious and inspiring project called America Éire.
I want to thank Kevin and Maedhbh for their vision and leadership in bringing this initiative to life. The campaign which is aptly called America Éire is a digital time capsule that captures the stories, journeys, memories, and experiences of Irish Americans and all those who feel a connection to Ireland.
From tomorrow, July 1st, people across the United States will be invited to share their stories through social media using the hashtag #MyIrishStory or to upload their stories to the America Éire website. Whether your family arrived generations ago or you came to America more recently, whether your connection is through ancestry, culture, music, study, business, friendship, or community; your story is part of this shared history.
I encourage everyone here this evening to participate and go to americaeire.org. How beautiful will it be to have a permanent record of Irish America at such a defining moment in American history.
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