The last time a foreign army invaded North or South America was back in May 5th, 1862…Cinco de Mayo. 4,000 Mexicans defeated 8,000 French soldiers.

And of course, we can assume there were some good Irishmen in the fight. Thousands of Irish emigrated to Mexico during the famine in Ireland, and there are monuments recognizing their efforts during the war for independence there.

Then there is the tale of William Lamport from County Wexford who was an adventurer, escaped the Inquisition, authored the first proclamation of independence in the New World, and is believed by some to be the basis for the fictional character Zorro.

But Cinco de Mayo is about Mexico…even though its not celebrated widely in Mexico…It’s celebrated a lot in the USA…so cheers!

If you out and about, come in to McAleer’s Pub for half price Corona’s and tequila shots on May 5th