Minister Fleming Addresses Christening of USS Patrick Gallagher

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming, TD has made the keynote address at the Christening of the Future United States Ship Patrick Gallagher in Bath, Maine.

The Christening is a major milestone for Ireland’s diaspora as the newly constructed US naval ship is named after an Irishman, the late Corporal Patrick Gallagher. Corporal Gallagher died in 1967 while serving in the Vietnam War. This naming is a rare instance of a US naval ship of this kind being named after a non-American person.

Born in 1944, Corporal Gallagher was originally from Derrintogher, Co Mayo and emigrated to Long Island, New York in 1962. He would later go on to serve in the US Marines in Vietnam. During his service, Corporal Gallagher was awarded the Navy Cross in 1966 for his bravery in defending his unit from a grenade attack.

Corporal Gallagher’s sisters Teresa, Rosemarie and Pauline acted as sponsors at the ceremony.

As part of the broader programme of his visit to Maine, Minister Fleming will also attend an Irish community event at the Maine Irish Heritage Center in Portland, Maine. The Center is a recipient of Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme funding and a major focal point for the local Irish and Irish American communities.

Minister Fleming said:

“I am honoured to represent the Government at the Christening of this ship and to pay tribute to the extraordinary life story of Corporal Patrick Gallagher.”

“Corporal Gallagher epitomises the values of courage, perseverance and fortitude under challenging circumstances that characterises Ireland’s diaspora. The naming of this ship in his honour is a testament to his inspiring story and comes following a long campaign led by Corporal Gallagher’s family. I offer my sincere congratulations and best wishes to the entire Gallagher family today on this important recognition of Patrick’s achievements and life.”

“As Minister for the Diaspora, I was also pleased to have this opportunity to visit Maine where I met with the local Irish and Irish American communities there. This community engagement was a welcome chance to hear first hand about the work of Irish organisations like the Maine Irish Heritage Center who are funded via the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.”

ENDS

Press Office

27 July 2024