US president Barack Obama has written to Canon Stephen Neill thanking him for organising the presidential couple’s recent visit to Moneygall, Co Offaly.
Canon Neill, Church of Ireland rector of Cloughjordan parish church, was the instigator of events that led to Mr Obama’s historic visit in May, having discovered the president’s link to the village through Mr Obama’s great-great-great grandfather, Fulmouth Kearney.
Mr Obama wrote: “Michelle and I thank you for all you did to make our visit to Ireland a success . . . we are grateful for your gracious assistance.”