Plaque unveiled in Cork to remember Blarney Street’s hero of the American Revolution, Stephen Moylan

07/02/2026

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, have unveiled a commemorative plaque to an Irish-born hero of the American Revolution who is credited as being the first person recorded to ever write down the words, “The United States of America”.

Stephen Moylan was born on Blarney Street, Cork city, in 1737. He went on to become a General in the American Revolution and was aide-to-camp to George Washington.

A significant figure in the early history of America, he is principally remembered today as the first person recorded to ever write down the words, “The United States of America”, in a letter dated January 2, 1776.

This letter is held by the New York Historical Society in Manhattan, New York. Moylan also founded the Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick, an active Irish society in Philadelphia, where Moylan is now buried.

The plaque has been unveiled at the Blarney Street and Surrounding Areas Community Association at the Rock Community Centre on Blarney Street.

This year marks the 250th birthday of the United States of America, and the event is supported by Irish America 250, a group set up to highlight the importance of the Irish contribution to America’s founding story.

From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the present day, Irish heritage is deeply woven into the fabric of American democracy and culture, and this plaque unveiling is part of a series of events taking place this year to mark the legacy and impact of Irish people in America.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, said: “It brings me immense pride to celebrate one of Blarney Street’s own in the presence of the Taoiseach, guests from America and the local community today.

“Stephen Moylan stands as a beacon of the enduring transatlantic friendship between Ireland and America.

“Today we remember a Blarney Street man who served the cause of liberty.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Born on Blarney Street in 1737, Stephen Moylan went on to play an important role in American independence.

“He is an early example and reminder of the significant contribution of the Irish diaspora to the United States.

“This is a living link, best expressed by the almost 10% of Americans today of Irish ancestry, and I was delighted to meet with many Irish-Americans who travelled to Cork especially for this event.

“I had the opportunity to meet with lots of Blarney Street residents today who are proud to see Moylan’s contributions, which have long been acknowledged in the US, recognised in his native city.

“At the heart of the community in the Blarney Street area, I can’t think of a better location for Moylan’s plaque than here at thie community centre, and I’d like to thank everyone involved.”

Chairperson of the Blarney Street and Surrounding Areas Community Association at the Rock Community Centre, Tom Coleman, said:

“On behalf of everyone here, we’re delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor and the Taoiseach to the longest street in Ireland to join us in remembering Stephen Moylan.

“We’re very proud of Moylan who left these shores a long time ago, but whose contribution connects the history of Blarney Street to the founding history of America.”

Morgan O’Sullivan, of Irish America 250, said: "It is ingrained deep in the Irish psyche that when we leave home, via the tarmac of Dublin, Shannon or Cork, that home never truly leaves us. And so, it was for Stephen Moylan.

"From his fighting for American independence, to his coining of the phrase the “United States of America”, Stephen Moylan is recognised as a true American patriot.

"But Stephen Moylan must also be recognised for helping the Irish immigrants arriving off the ships of Philadelphia as President of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick.

"We are honoured to be able to share the Stephen Moylan story on both sides of the Atlantic, and we know he would have been proud of us too.”