Barack Obama visits Ireland

On May 23, just short of a week after Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Ireland, President Barack Obama arrived in Dublin as part of a 6-day trip through Europe. The president will be visiting the small town of Moneygall, County Offaly, the home of his great-great-great-grandfather, Falmouth Kearney.  Researchers at Ancestry.co.uk are credited with accidentally discovering President Obama's link to Falmouth Kearney as part of a study on the impact Irish immigrants had on America.

Upon arrival in Dublin, the president and the first lady met with Irish President Mary McAleese.  Obama planted a peace tree at Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of President McAleese in Phoenix Park.  He then met with Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny before leaving Dublin to visit his ancestral home in Moneygall (population 300).  Barack Obama and the first lady enjoyed "the perfect pint" of Guinness at a local pub and took the time to meet with his distant Irish relations, including his eighth cousin Henry (now referred to as Henry VIII).

Upon returning to Dublin, President Barack Obama spoke at College Green to a cheering crowd of 40,000.  Our apartment was only 2 blocks from the stage, so we could hear him perfectly and although our view of the stage was blocked, we had a clear view of the television screens that were set up for the crowds.  We invited all our classmates over and baked Obama cookies (in the shape of an O) for the occasion.  While I'm not generally overly-patriotic, it was an incredible feeling to look out our window at the crowds below all waving American flags and cheering.  Regardless of political beliefs, President Obama represented America well on his visit to Ireland.

I have included an excerpt of President Obama's speech.  To listen to it in its entirety, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngwyKsUg9Ms



"May God bless the eternal friendship between our two great nations."  - President Barack Obama

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Obama photos from http://society.ezinemark.com