It was seven years ago when I identified Fulmoth Kearney of Moneygall, Ireland as the most recent immigrant on the maternal side of Barack Obama’s family tree. Inheriting land in Ohio from a brother, Fulmoth’s father, Joseph, left Ireland for the United States in 1849. Fulmoth and his sister, Margaret, followed in 1850, and his mother and two younger siblings in 1851 – a … [Read more...] about “Fully” Kearney: President Obama’s Irish Ancestor
President Barack Obama
Irish Visits in the Works for Biden and Obamas
Following his induction into the Irish America Hall of Fame (see more coverage here), it’s only fitting that Vice President Joe Biden should pay a visit to the home of his Finnegan and Blewitt ancestors. The vice president confirmed that he would be visiting Ireland some time this year at an Irish brunch he held in March for Taoiseach Enda Kenny, in honor of St. Patrick’s day. … [Read more...] about Irish Visits in the Works for Biden and Obamas
Certificate of Irish Heritage for Obama
During his St. Patrick’s Day visit to the White House, Taoiseach Enda Kenny presented President Obama with an official Certificate of Irish Heritage. These certificates, which all members of the Irish diaspora with at least one relative born in Ireland are welcome to apply for, recognize the recipients’ Irish ancestors – in this case, Obama’s maternal … [Read more...] about Certificate of Irish Heritage for Obama
Irish-American Heritage Month Announced by Obama
March 1, 2012
The first of March marks the beginning of Irish-American Heritage Month in the U.S., a time, according to President Obama, to celebrate the "indomitable spirit of those Irish Americans whose strength helped build countless miles of canals and railroads; whose brogues echoed in mills, police stations, and fire halls across our country; and whose blood spilled to defend a Nation … [Read more...] about Irish-American Heritage Month Announced by Obama
Presidential Visits to Ireland
President Obama's visit brought the number of U.S. Presidents who have visited Ireland to seven. Tom Deignan looks back at some memorable visits and some that barely registered. Ollie Hayes runs a cozy pub in Moneygall, County Offaly. Perhaps you’ve heard of it. It was at Ollie Hayes Pub, after all, that President Barack Obama tossed back a pint when he visited Ireland back in … [Read more...] about Presidential Visits to Ireland