The Offaly man who fought alongside George Washington for American independence Reporter: '); '); The extraordinary tale of Edward Hand is one of emigration, war, love, and a life on the frontline. Born in Clyduff, King’s County, as Offaly was known at the time, on New Year’s Eve, 1744, Edward Hand was baptised in Shinrone, Co. Offaly, going on to Trinity College Dublin, where he studied medicine. Edward was born into a prosperous protestant family, and his parents were John and Dorothy Hand, members of the Anglo-Irish Gentry. They owned land and a manor house in the area. That home is still standing and is currently occupied by a couple who have had the property in their family for 150 years.