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MONEYGALL NATIVE HENRY Healy has said his life has changed dramatically since he found out that he is a distant relative of the President of the United States.
Healy was speaking ahead of the official opening of the President Barack Obama Visitor Centre in Moneygall. The centre is located in the Barack Obama Plaza which is owned by Supermac’s’ Pat McDonagh.
The US President’s eighth cousin told TheJournal.ie that he has been “fortunate to be involved with the visitor centre, having input with some of the design”.
He said the connection to Obama has already had a positive impact on the village which has continued to add various facilities for tourists over the last number of years.
His own life has been significantly changed since the connection emerged and he described the last three years as a “rollercoaster of highs and lows, quiet and busy periods”.
It has transformed my life, I’m extremely fortunate and I got to be involved in ancestoral tourism for the last two years. With this venture I get to reside permanently in Moneygall – I could be one of the many people who’s gone to Canada or Australia seeking a new life. None of this would have happened but for that connection.
Healy said he never takes what he’s been given for granted.
“Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see did this really happen. Did I actually go to the oval office to speak to the President and have a pint with him?”
For Obama’s closest Irish relative, there are two stand-out moments in his rollercoaster ride since finding out he was related to the President.
“Being there to welcome the President in Moneygall and the reaction of the crowd – that big cheer when the President hugged me – still resonates with me,” he said. “The other one was going for a pint with the President and getting to travel with him in his car and just have a regular conversation as we travelled to downtown DC. It didn’t feel like I was talking to the most powerful man in the world.”
Healy said he has been assured by the First Lady that she plans to return to Moneygall with her two daughters after Obama’s term in office is over, so the new visitor centre may soon become part of the history it is displaying.
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Witnessed the swords one myself, its terrifying in real life. Couldn’t sleep a wink after it. For all the site they deal with, the people who work on the front line are cut from a different cloth
Was there myself. Shocked at what was being passed off by some as first aid! Breathing yet unconscious individuals do not need chest compressions!!!
First Aid should be compulsory for all!
Emergency services where swift and brilliant!!!!
How many house fire deaths is that now in Oldcourt?
Tragic.
Way too many. There have been reports printed about those houses being death traps. I think 5 died in the late ’80′s(4 children) and certainly there have been 2 or 3 other serious fires there resulting in the poor residents losing their lives. Very sad.
The people of Bray now need to demand a full time Fire Service…. No excuses anymore.
Very sad news to wake up to. RIP.
Is there any reason given why wicklow (Bray) Fire Service, was not in attendance. Oldcourt is only a few hundred metres from Bray Fire Station.
they are in attendance Diver, my family live there. all emergency services are at the scene
Sorry Diver, that has been changed now. I had initially talked to the DFB about the incident but they have clarified it was Bray units at the scene.
Read the article, slowly.
DFB aren’t and weren’t there.
they we’re there and are still there! Stop gossip mongering!
I walked past the house this morning at 6.25 on my way to work, two massive fire engines, ambulance and countless Garda cars on scene! Stop commenting on things when you don’t have the facts!
Dublin Fire Brigage probably we’rent there…but Bray Fire Brigade certainly we’re and still are there.
Hi all, the first line has been changed now. I had initially talked to the DFB about the incident but they have clarified it was Bray units at the scene.
Thanks
Sinead
Bray fire. Not Dublin
Hi Brian, As I said earlier, that has been changed. I had originally talked to DFB so that’s where the confusion came from. It was changed to Bray units before 8am. Thanks!
@ Sinead O’Carroll. Looks like you have been blessed with a panel of experts on fire fighting and perhaps you could ask them for advice and suggestions ? Have they installed smoke detectors and CO alarms ? Where would they recommend placing some fire extinguishers ? Have they got a plan for getting the children and them selves out safely and quickly should they have a fire? Do they think that jumping out of a window is a good idea? Lots more to ask them while they are nit-picking headlines and minor details of on-going and breaking news.
@fognistical Brian Murray is a well respected fireman in Bray,and tragically today is also the anniversary of his fathers death,he passed away in the line of duty as a bray fireman. Thinking of all the Murrays and O Shaughnesseys today and also the Costigans
Bollox
That was a comment for fognostical!
Anyone know where exactly in Hollywell the fire occurred?
Holywell Way.
have your say