Destined for Ohio where a relative had left property in his name he later married, had 10 children, and settled in Indiana where he worked as a farmer. Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham, was a descendant of one of Kearney’s daughters, Mary Ann Kearney, and Jacob William Dunham.

Now, some 161 years later, Barack is returning for a visit in May of this year that will take him to his ancestral home in Moneygall, a village of approximately 300 people in County Offaly, and possibly also to Shinrone – the townland with the earliest recorded connection to his Irish ancestors.

There’s sure to be a warm welcome and it’ll be interesting to see in which of the two Moneygall bars (it’s a small place!) he has a drop of the black stuff. Not to worry about ‘drinking on the job’ either, you’re allowed a moment here!

Looking forward to your visit sir, céad míle fáilte.

Live update! Slainte sir, and some truly amazing scenes from Moneygall – wonderful to see.

And the speeches in Dublin…

plus the White House pics…

And sure there’s a warm welcome waiting (and a pint on the bar) in County Offaly for you sir.

Slainte and a happy St Patrick’s day.