Protest held at US Embassy's July 4 celebrations boycotted by Opposition TDs
Around 2,500 guests across the fields of politics, business, culture, sport, and media were invited to the July 4 celebrations, which marked the 249th anniversary of US independence.
People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger was among those who attended a protest outside the gates of the Phoenix Park residence of the new US ambassador to Ireland, Ed Walsh.
She said it was important for Mr Walsh, as a representative of the US government, to see it was 'completely unacceptable' to celebrate July 4 while the US supports Israel's actions in Gaza.
'It is very important that there were visible signs that the vast majority of Irish people are absolutely sickened by what's going on in Gaza and they want it to stop.'
Protesters waved Irish and Palestinian flags and called on guests to 'walk away' from the event as they chanted 'shame, shame, shame on you' and 'free Palestine'.
'We call on the diners tonight to turn around. Don't accept the free meal. Make a stand and turn away,' they shouted.
Some protesters shouted at guests as they exited cars or entered the grounds, calling on them to 'show some solidarity' and re-consider their invitation.
'We have to be here. All these people are going for dinner, we have to be here to stand against all the wrong that is being done in the world,' said one protestor, Laura.
Another, Elise, said pro-Palestinian supporters have tried 'sending emails and letters, but using your voice in public, we might get heard'.
'To make people feel some emotion and hopefully change their mind.'
Tánaiste Simon Harris addressed the celebrations at the Deerfield Residence, while Mr Walsh, who presented his credentials to President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday, said he looked forward to 'building lasting relationships' during his term.
'I stand before you as a businessman, a family man, and someone who deeply values the ties that bind communities together, from the boardroom to the golf course,' said Mr Walsh.
'As the new US Ambassador to Ireland, I look forward to building lasting relationships, communicating openly, and embracing all that brings our peoples together.'
Attendees are given classic American foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, bourbon and beer, while the entertainment included performances by Una Healy and and Michael Flatley, who performed a tune on his flute.
The evening ended with a fireworks display set to songs favoured by Mr Trump, including 'America the Beautiful' and 'YMCA'.
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'There was a rally in thanks to Court about genocide. "I brought a number of Irish flags there. The Palestinians took the flag off me. They put it right at the front with a girl to show the flag off in front of all the other flags. "Poor girl had it around the wrong way but it didn't matter." 'One member has lost in excess of 60 members of his family in Gaza, so this is normal life.' Redmond found a place to stay in Hebron before going on to travel to Ramallah while his driver convinced him to abandon a plan to make his way to Gaza itself. In the months that followed, work was done to build the foundations of gaelic games in the West Bank. The first club was founded in Ramallah and was eventually named in honour of Moataz Sarsour, a volunteer who was killed by the IDF in August 2024. There is also the story of Maher Haroun, the PRO of Moataz Sarsour who has been in prison for over 200 days and who Redmond claims has lost 20kg in weight and is suffering from untreated scabies. 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