During our recent vacation in Ireland, we had the opportunity to visit Moneygall, the town in Co. Offaly I traced Barack Obama’s roots to back in 2007. It was my first chance to meet Stephen Neill, the local Anglican priest who had assisted with on-the-ground research, as well as Ollie Hayes, owner of the pub that’s now become something of an Obama shrine (Ollie kindly opened early just for our visit!). Better yet, we were able to meet up with Corey Taratuta and Liam Hughes of Irish Fireside, who later took us to their charming B&B and the moving hedge school monument. I hope you’ll enjoy these photos!
Liam and I had a fabulous time meeting you and Stephen and your family in Moneygall. Very cool experience.
If anyone would like to follow in our footsteps… or car tracks… I’ve posted a downloadable map with more info about Obama’s Irish roots and other US Presidents with Irish ancestry at http://irishfireside.com/2010/08/25/presidents-irish-roots/