Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The head of the CIA is bringing this piece of Kilteevan turf back to the White House

John Brennan attended an event at the church his Irish father was baptised in, in the small Roscommon village on Friday night.

CIA director John Brennan with Kilteevan businessman John Gilooly at the Gathering event on Friday night.

JOHN BRENNAN, THE head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) will be returning to the US with a piece of turf cut from a bog in Kilteevan, Co Roscommon, after attending a Gathering event on Friday night.

Brennan made an appearance at the Kilteevan Community Centre, which was originally the church that his Irish father, Owen, was baptised in.

Local man John Gillooly told TheJournal.ie that the night was “so emotional”.

“The man is 94 years of age and he did a couple of speeches and waved to everyone – people broke down,” he said. “It’s just amazing to have the head of the CIA coming over to our little place, I mean we’re only a small community with less than 500 people, so to have one of the top men in the world, Obama’s righthand man, here, is unbelievable.”

Gillooly was showcasing some turf craft products from his business ‘LuckySods’ at the event and gave a piece shaped like an Irish harp to Brennan as a gift.

“He couldn’t believe that it was an actual piece of Ireland and that it came from Kilteevan, where his dad was from,” he said. “He wanted to pay me for it but I said it was a gift and I could tell it meant a lot to him. He’s heading back to the White House now with a little piece of Kilteevan.”

The local businessman also had a framed piece of turf shaped like President Barack Obama’s head (pictured above), which he said “went down well” with the CIA director.

Related: The head of the CIA is going to a gathering in Roscommon tonight>

Read: Boost for tourism with visitor numbers up 5.4 per cent in first six months>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
66 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mr_bean_007
    Favourite mr_bean_007
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:36 PM

    Wait till Ming hears foreigners are allowed take the turf but his native locals can’t!

    317
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute @Turflife
    Favourite @Turflife
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:45 PM

    Better not be off my bank, I’m going out to count my sods and if there’s one missing, I’ll…..oh…..sound, take as many as you want sir….ahem

    85
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:55 PM

    well said turf ! bow and the whole world steals your turf !

    20
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:05 PM

    Are the Gilooly’s related to Barrack as well ; is that a family portrait on the wall behind ?

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mcgoo
    Favourite mcgoo
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:36 PM

    Even the CIA are illegally cutting turf….

    133
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fran ner
    Favourite Fran ner
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:41 PM

    They also like to control the heroin distribution in the world.

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dublin Not Irish
    Favourite Dublin Not Irish
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:45 PM

    & murder people along with their president

    45
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fran ner
    Favourite Fran ner
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:51 PM

    You mean the Obamas/ baby killers

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Con Kearney
    Favourite Con Kearney
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:16 PM

    I 100% agree with you’re name….just not in the way you would think.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dublin Not Irish
    Favourite Dublin Not Irish
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:42 PM

    Con… Why does Fran ner offend you?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute @Turflife
    Favourite @Turflife
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 9:41 PM

    The only illegal activity was carried out by a couple of gombeens in 1997 when they signed away privately owned bogs without any of those bogowners knowing anything about it. I’d like to see the reaction of people if a couple of gombeens signed away people’s homes without consent of owner! You can’t just give away someone’s property!

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mcgoo
    Favourite mcgoo
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 11:11 PM

    Seriously tho I’ll be as paranoid as fcuk the next time I’m footin. The CIA could jump outta anywhere man. And as for nocturnal weekend visits with herself(s) to show her the extent of my plot then that’s defo a goner.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 12:47 AM

    exceeded the statute of limitations at this stage turf ! not that it was legal anyway!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Little Jim
    Favourite Little Jim
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:38 PM

    Hope he’s checked it for bugs, they’re all over the bog at the moment.

    58
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Quigley
    Favourite Paul Quigley
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:47 PM

    The head of the CIA is 94 years of age ? ;) wow !

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nick Richards
    Favourite Nick Richards
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:48 PM

    Can somebody ask him what severance package and pension he will get when he retires. If it’s more than a Sligo County manager I will eat my own arse

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Right Wing Steve ©
    Favourite Right Wing Steve ©
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 11:04 PM

    Start eating so.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jarlath Conefrey
    Favourite Jarlath Conefrey
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:39 PM

    He’s not 94!

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Cunningham
    Favourite Patrick Cunningham
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:44 PM

    Up da rossies.

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Derek Durkin
    Favourite Derek Durkin
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:37 PM

    How many women and children have your terrorist creating drones killed recently John. Sick of this bullshit public relations crap that our country wields out to the US. Yeah we know wall street bankrupted our country so it could pick the bones dry and keep its criminal enterprise from self combusting, just no need to roll out the leperachuns every time their propaganda machine rolls into town.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Golden Bryan
    Favourite Golden Bryan
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:47 PM

    Give it a rest. The man was on a private visit.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Noble Gas
    Favourite Noble Gas
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:48 PM

    We should water boarded him and and called it an ancient irish pagan ceremony. That would have been gas craic altogether

    22
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Noonan
    Favourite Declan Noonan
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 9:16 PM

    Derek, this man has only had this job since march of this year.
    Also to blame him for Wall Street and the meltdown in Ireland is stretching it I think.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The whistler
    Favourite The whistler
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 9:35 PM

    unlike the lads he passed through shanon en route to a torture chamber

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 2:05 AM

    Ah yes Noble the ancient Irish custom of gas frack !

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute richardmccarthy
    Favourite richardmccarthy
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 8:08 AM

    Has’nt anyone told you, hate is like a cancer,its bad for you man,get a check up real soon,hear.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:38 PM

    Graverobber !
    Interesting fact 1. most turf does not come in the shape of a harp.
    Interesting fact 2. the harp is in fact an ancient shipwright’s measuring tool, to scale and the English hadn’t a clue how to build a ship until they stole one of us !

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute W.j.d.
    Favourite W.j.d.
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:48 PM

    Where are the ships we built….

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:53 PM

    they were sunk in the bay of Sligo ; if my memory is correct ; have to consult the prophecies of Colmcille for confirmation !

    16
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon Jester
    Favourite Simon Jester
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 10:25 PM

    He has a piece of turf shaped like Obamas head…
    Shouldnt be too difficult.Square,brown with bits sticking off it.Known as a sod of turf.Mass produced pics of Obama in ech bog cut with a slan.We are on a winner here lads!!

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Barry O'Sullivan
    Favourite Barry O'Sullivan
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 9:47 PM

    “He’ll be born in America but his feet will touch Irish soil first”

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jim Jameson
    Favourite Jim Jameson
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:42 PM

    what a folksy piece of rubbish. That’l light the fire Great back in the US of A.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Kay
    Favourite Thomas Kay
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:54 PM

    Is this news?

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:00 PM

    not Turf cutting in kilteevan has been in the news for a while , so when the C.I.A. roll into town and cut some in solidarity with the turf-cutters of South Galway then yeah sure , of course it is ;
    Apologies to Mr. Brennan I didn’t realise he supported the turf cutters fight for freedom !
    Perhaps he could use a drone to shoot down the spy plane over south galway ; don’t worry about casualties ; there is always a soft landing in bog .
    america has turned a corner !

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cowenwatch
    Favourite Cowenwatch
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 9:14 PM

    Sweet baby Jesus, he wont be actually hanging the piece of muck on his wall, it will be incinerated by customs just like the shamrock our leader presents their leader every Paddy’s day is.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maurice Riordan
    Favourite Maurice Riordan
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 9:30 PM

    When the Persians invaded new lands, they would send forward envoys to request the surrender of the natives. All they would ask for was earth and water from the land as a sign of good faith. Most people laughed at this request, thinking the Achaemenids insane. The laughter soon died when they realized that the Persians took this small token as a deed to the whole country. The Medes, the Lydians, the Babylonians and the Egyptians lived to dearly regret this little gift. I wonder will we?

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon Jester
    Favourite Simon Jester
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 10:35 PM

    “No retreat, no surrender. That is Irish law. And by Irish law, we will stand and fight… and die. A new age has begun: an age of freedom! And all will know that 300 Irish turf cutters gave their last breath to defend it,and refused compensation handouts as well! THIS IS IRISH BOG!!”
    or
    “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our turf.”

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 12:51 AM

    Even Cromwell had the cop-on to stay out of the bogs ; There was a crowd that tried to take the bogs of the Irish before they are in the museum ; close enough to the Dail for them to learn!

    1
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon Jester
    Favourite Simon Jester
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 2:01 PM

    Its sarcasm eric.Its a piss take of the lines from the film 300 and Brave heart.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 21st 2013, 1:03 AM

    I was replying to maurice ; sorry if there was a glitch ; your sarcasm is actually factually correct Simon.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Katie Mooney
    Favourite Katie Mooney
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 11:04 PM

    The Whitehouse destroy all natural gifts as part of their security procedures almost instantly including the big bowl of shamrock they receive every St.. Patrick’s day!!

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aine Nibhern
    Favourite Aine Nibhern
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 7:53 PM

    Can’t believe there is a comment section on this article. People be careful. But I’d say if someone got his number it would have taken just a call to sort out a certain viral social media problem we had all day! Sadly I got little support for the little effort I made to sort out some of it. I have lost faith in this country and its institutions! There should have been safeguards in place to deal with it sooner rather than when it’s too late.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:02 PM

    keep faith aine , time is a great saviour ; He or She just works at a different pace to us mere mortals !

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Con Kearney
    Favourite Con Kearney
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:39 PM

    Safeguards? As in not giving a fella a bj at an extremely busy concert with cameras in your face?

    13
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aine Nibhern
    Favourite Aine Nibhern
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 9:15 PM

    Point missed in the troll_land

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hugh O'Connell
    Favourite Hugh O'Connell
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 9:51 AM

    Great how we look past the fact this guy supported the use of torture in guantanamo bay whisch is why he couldn’t get the cia job in Obama s last term.or that he instituted drone attacks in Pakistan, yeman and Somalia!??
    But sure he’s a mighty man a pure sound auld skin and a wiki check prior to singing his praises wouldn’t go amiss!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neil Murphy
    Favourite Neil Murphy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 11:10 PM

    Heading back to Langley even?

    If it was fair game he’d be fined at the border for attempting to bring in an organic substance!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute gumbridge
    Favourite gumbridge
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 10:59 PM

    If I had my way he’d be taking a bit of my forehead in his f&&kin face!!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 8:46 PM

    St. brigid is so cross she is twisted sideways with rage ! If you don’t believe me it’s on her wall ! I would say profile but the C.I.A. are around (if you know what I mean)

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Catherine Mill
    Favourite Catherine Mill
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 11:45 PM

    Should keep the White House warm for at least 5 mins

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute pascal lutchooman
    Favourite pascal lutchooman
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 9:58 PM

    Thought it was illegal to cut turf..

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 2:02 AM

    Guantanamo Bog!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Henry James
    Favourite Henry James
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 2:46 AM

    Easy to be Cynical re symbolic Turf Gift, but in terms of Long term beneficial Tourist interests Roscommon and surrounding area will be the beneficiaries. Sometimes we focus too much on what’s easy to criticise, such attitudes get greater response. I say we’ll done to the Kilteevan Community and the Brennan family for a great International Gathering event. A damn sight better than the lack lustre attempts of overpaid Govt Tourist Officials and Quango Consultants.
    I have no connection to this area.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Duffy
    Favourite Mark Duffy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 10:10 PM

    That product is a total rip off of big buddies:
    http://www.bogbuddies.com/

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Duffy
    Favourite Mark Duffy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 10:17 PM

    * bog buddies

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Dson
    Favourite Dave Dson
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 4:17 AM

    Shite! I was gonna order some of them big buddies…..another night ruined.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Foot
    Favourite Paul Foot
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 10:12 PM

    We, abroad look in here. Abroad is better. Maureen O’ Hara will return and laugh at a country which can’t change from inward thinking…..

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute susanna smyth
    Favourite susanna smyth
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 10:27 PM

    So they told him it was turf. Eh?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Julian King
    Favourite Julian King
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 4:37 AM

    I’d say the attic in the white house is full of crap like this from loadsa different countries!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute eric grixy
    Favourite eric grixy
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 11:50 PM

    I knew my crown was left in the bog !

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rebecca Kelly
    Favourite Rebecca Kelly
    Report
    Aug 19th 2013, 11:59 PM

    Totally agree with Mark Duffy’s comments. I know imitation is the highest form of flattery but this takes the biscuit… Visit http://www.bogbuddies.com/ to see the original!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Faron
    Favourite Faron
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 10:07 PM

    Nice rip off Mr Gilooly, no original ideas of your own no?? Jeez even the framings are a copy from Bog Buddies…

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rebecca Kelly
    Favourite Rebecca Kelly
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 12:01 AM

    Completely agree with Mark Duffy’s comments. I know imitation is the highest form of flattery but this takes the biscuit. Visit http://www.bogbuddies.com/ to see the original!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maeve Gately
    Favourite Maeve Gately
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 9:02 PM

    ahhh….just checked it out Rebecca….you’re dead right….Bog Buddies are by far superior. And they’re the original too. Pity about that other company but Bog Buddies definitely win that battle!!!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Mulligan
    Favourite John Mulligan
    Report
    Aug 29th 2013, 7:48 PM

    We’re a great nation for kissing ass.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon Heavey
    Favourite Simon Heavey
    Report
    Aug 20th 2013, 10:46 PM

    Bog buddies the original and still the best http://www.bogbuddies.com/

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Next upNext up:
      News in 60 seconds