Gerry Adams' '05 American Tour

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams arrived to a cheering crowd of several hundred fans as a bagpiper lead him into Cryan’s Beef & Ale House in South Orange, NJ last night. The Jersey stop was just one of many for the Irish Republican as he continues his annual St. Patrick’s Day tour of America. Adams is not welcome at the White House this St. Patrick’s Day–unlike the Clinton years-- but there are still many in the States fully behind him and his cause.

Jim Lowney Photo

After a cup of Barry’s tea and photos with a U.S. Congressman, local politicians and other supporters, Adams and the rest of the packed barroom listened to retired Newark Fire Captain Jim Mooney beautifully sing both the Irish and American national anthems accompanied by Kevin Guerin on electric guitar.

Jim Lowney Photo

Adams looked sharp in a good dark suit and spoke as well as ever. The crowd couldn’t have been any friendlier and he seemed to thrive off the supportive vibes in the room. He repeatedly thanked everyone for their support, praised President Clinton and did a decent job of spinning current problems facing the IRA and the situation in Northern Ireland at the moment. He finished up by reading a prison poem by IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands before being piped out the side door and heading off to his next event. The pipes wailed, the crowded cheered and he was gone.

Jim Lowney Photo

It has been a few years since I have photographed Adams and once again another photographer managed to get me in his shot with Adams and send it out over the wires.

AP Photo/ Marko Georgiev