It won't surprise many to hear that a great American hero was an Irish immigrant, but when you hear the tale of Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore, it might surprise you that one of the first true Irish superstars has been essentially forgotten in Irish history.
Not so in the United States.
In 1849, 19-year-old Patrick fled the famine, migrating to the States along with 1 million other Irish people and with his musical ability, he wasn't long making a name for himself. A talented coronet, drum and fife player, he quickly took over leadership of the Salem Brass Band in Massachusetts before starting his own phenomenally successful band. No mean feat when you consider that a "band" in those days was more like a modern-day orchestra with up to 100 members.
Among his many achievements was the development of the initial 4th July celebrations in the US, playing at 6 presidential inaugurations and at the opening of the Statue of Liberty. Although he found fame and fortune throughout America, he never forgot his Irish roots, becoming involved in Irish politics and sending large donations of money back home to Ireland.
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