All-ticket Independence Day Party in the Park

The favoured 2,500 who got invitations for the annual Independence Day bash at the US ambassador's residence today will be in for a treat.

Singer Neil Diamond will sing a song sung blue or two at the July 4th party, hosted in the Phoenix Park by the ambassador, Mr Richard Egan. He is one of a bevy of international stars who will perform in a huge marquee.

U2 band members are also expected to attend the gala event where the engraved red, white and blue invitations will be a non-transferable prerequisite for entry to the high-security venue.

Politicians of all persuasions from all parts of the island are also among the likely attendance, along with Irish and US business interests, journalists, diplomats US visitors and expatriates.

The uninvited Diamond fans have had to pay for the privilege of hearing the American legend perform tomorrow night and the next at Lansdowne road.

Apart from the function at the ambassador's residence, there are no official US embassy endorsed events.

However, citizens and visitors to Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, can enjoy the annual Fourth of July Parade in the town, which is expected to start at 7.30 p.m.

Floats, bands, majorettes and lots of red-white and blue balloons and streamers can be expected. The parade organisers have warned of major traffic disruption this evening between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Motorists may avoid the disruption by using Carrickbrennan road, Tivoli Road, Lower and Upper Glenageary Road during the parade. Bus Átha Cliath will operate diversions during the parade.

It may sound a bit Oirish but the Ireland-America Society is planning a Happy Fourth of July event on July 5th.

They have linked up with the American Women's Club, American Democrats Abroad and American Republicans Abroad for hamburgers and hot dogs, at the National Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire from 7 p.m. tomorrow but that is a ticket-only event.

Republicans Abroad in Ireland will host a second event to mark the occasion, a barbeque, on July 6th "for alcohol and work considerations" at Skerries Rugby Club from 2 p.m.