"I feel as though I'm home." Wearing her Obama t-shirt, and with tears of pride in her eyes, Obama campaigner Susan O'Donoghue from Pittsburgh could barely make herself heard above the cheers in Ollie Hayes' pub in Moneygall after America ushered in its first African American leader on Tuesday evening before TV audiences of millions.
Throughout the day, local and national media descended on the border village, with 2FM's Ryan Tubridy broadcasting live from outside the cockpit of celebrations - Ollie Hayes's bar - while Midlands Radio station 105-107 FM changed its name to Obama F
M for the day. Reporters and locals alike packed into Ollies' during the buildup to the swearing-in ceremony at 5pm, with local children squealing with excitement once they heard "My fellow citizens..", the first words of President Obama's historic speech.
Locals had been preparing for last Tuesday's inauguration ceremony ever since diligent research by local Church of Ireland Canon Stephen Neill, revealed the improbable link between Mr Obama and his great-great-great grandfather, Fulmouth Kearney, who left Moneygall in 1850.
Canon Neill, together with Obama's ninth cousin, Henry Healy flew to Washington over the weekend to join over a million people in witnessing one of the most defining historical moments of the 21st century. They were joined by local band, Hardy Drew and the Nancy Boys, who have shot to fame with their song 'There's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama.'
Back in Moneygall, Henry's Uncle, Publican Ollie Hayes, told the Tipperary Star that the his nephew was having a ball out in Washington. "He was just on the phone there and he says the atmosphere is absolutely fabulous." Henry joined other dignitaries and special guests with a much-coveted seat near the main podium amidst high security before an estimated worldwide TV audience of over a billion people.
Full story on page one this week.
