Wexford is this weekend preparing to honour one of its most famous sons, with thousands of visitors expected to attend a two-day festival to commemorate the founder of the American navy, Commodore John Barry.
At the beginning of the American revolution, Wexford-born Capt John Barry offered his services to George Washington and the US congress in support of the cause of American liberty and independence, and was given command of a small brig, the Lexington.
On April 7th, 1776, Capt Barry and his crew on board the Lexington captured the HMS Edward following a gun battle, and brought his prize up the Delaware river in the first victory by the US navy.
