While many hundreds of people from all walks of life will be celebrating July 4th in the US ambassador's residence, there is another, slightly smaller celebration taking place in the Herbert Park Hotel. Jerome Rimson is not a name familiar to everyone but his credentials as a guitarist are impeccable - 10 years playing with Van Morrison, bass player with Phil Lynott after the Thin Lizzy days and roving musician with the likes of Steve Winwood and Aretha Franklin.
Jerome, who was born in Detroit, lived just down the road from Aretha Franklin, and was part of the prestigious Motown organisation. But he now lives in Templeogue, a place not usually associated with blues legends. Over his years here, Jerome has built up a large coterie of friends and admirers who are flocking down to the hotel for a July 4th celebration with Jerome and his band, Red Clay. Former Manchester United footballer Norman Whiteside will be there as will Irish international footballer, Niall Quinn. Artist Jim Fitzpatrick, who met Jerome when he designed the Thin Lizzy album covers, hopes to pop along as does exThin Lizzy member, Brian Downey. Designer John Rocha and blues singer Mary Coughlan will also be joining the party.