Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
MAYO FOR SAM.
That’s how US President Joe Biden opted to end his speech in Ballina this evening, after a packed four day trip to Ireland.
He spent the final day of the trip in the county, visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock, where he had an emotional and unplanned meeting with the priest who gave the Last Rites to his son Beau.
He also spent time at the Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the North Mayo Heritage Centre, where he was able to retrace his ancestry.
The trip was rounded out by an address to the public in Ballina, where he spoke about his family connections to Ireland and the challenges facing the world at the moment, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Good morning, Hayley Halpin here.
Welcome to our liveblog on last day of US President Joe Biden’s official visit to Ireland.
We’ll bring you all the latest on his visit throughout the day.
So, to kick things off, let’s take a look at what Biden is getting up to today.
The US President is scheduled to depart Dublin Airport at 11.45am and arrive at Ireland West Airport in Co Mayo at 1.15pm.
He will then tour the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock, also in Co Mayo. This is scheduled for 2pm.
Knock shrine is a Catholic pilgrimage site that has been visited by popes, most recently by Pope Francis in 2018.
Biden is then set to visit the North Mayo Heritage and Genealogical Centre’s family history research unit at 3.30pm.
At 5.30pm, the President is due to visit the North Mayo Heritage and Genealogical Centre’s Family History Research Unit. The hospice is dedicated to his son Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015.
Biden is to then round out his trip to Ireland with a homecoming speech to the public in Ballina, which will take place outside St Muredach’s Cathedral in the town at 9.15pm.
The Coronas, the Academic and the Chieftains are all due to play at the event.
Biden’s great-great-great grandfather Edward Blewitt sold 27,000 bricks to the cathedral in 1827, which helped buy tickets for himself and his family to sail to America decades later in 1851.
The weather is looking far from the rainy conditions of Biden’s first day in Ireland.
A morning fit for a presidential visit 🌞🌞@POTUS #BidenInIreland pic.twitter.com/tHGXLZe6on
— Ireland West Airport (@Irelandwest) April 14, 2023
Biden has a jam packed day yesterday in Dublin.
Yesterday afternoon saw the US President visit his Irish counterpart Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Inside, Biden spent almost two-and-a-half minutes writing a message in a visitors book as he sat at a small table with the Irish tricolour and US Stars and Stripes behind him.
He then participated in a tree-planting ceremony with President Higgins and rang the Peace Bell.
Biden then travelled to Farmleigh House, where he held a meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
Both men then watched a camogie demonstration outside Farmleigh House before heading to Leinster House.
US President Joe Biden and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar out watching camogie and GAA outside Farmleigh House @thejournal_ie pic.twitter.com/4Nk77guWoe
— Tadgh McNally (@TadghMcN) April 13, 2023
The US President later delivered a joint Oireachtas address in the Dáil where spoke of his pride at addressing the country’s politicians.
“This is one of the great honours of my career, to be here today, and I mean this from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
After asking forgiveness for his “poor attempt” at Irish, the president said “Tá mé sa bhaile”, meaning “I am home”.
He also said the United States will be “Ireland’s closest partner, your most dependable partner and your most enthusiastic supporter every step of the way”.
In a dinner at Dublin Castle in his honour, the president received a standing ovation as he finished a speech in which he reflected on his family roots and told the audience: “No barrier is too thick or too strong for Ireland.
“I mean this from the bottom of my heart, there is nothing our nation’s can’t achieve if we do it together. I really mean it. So thank you all, and God bless you all. Let’s get it done.”
Traffic restrictions
There’s plenty of road closures in and around Co Mayo today.
The US President will arrive at Ireland West Airport from Dublin Airport this afternoon.
The airport will operate as normal at all times, gardaí have said, but those travelling to and from the airport this afternoon are being asked to allow additional time due to possible temporary road closures.
Access to Mayo University Hospital will be affected by traffic diversions and this will reduce car park availability.
Anyone attending appointments today are being asked to arrive early.
Emergency services will be unaffected by traffic management today, gardaí said.
In advance of President Joe Biden's public address in Ballina this Friday evening as part of the #Ballina2023 celebrations, please find information below about event details and logistics from @USEmbassyDublin.
— Ballina 2023 (@ballina2023) April 10, 2023
Keep an eye on our socials for some more exciting announcements! pic.twitter.com/aff7ob305O
No wonder the skies are blue today.
The child of Prague is outside St. Muredach’s Cathredal ahead of tonight’s special address by @POTUS!
— U.S. Embassy Dublin (@USEmbassyDublin) April 14, 2023
🌞#BidenInIreland
🇮🇪🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/8PosUirY9X
Biden’s motorcade is ready and waiting to head off to Co Mayo.
Garda Robert McGrath attached to Donnybrook Garda Station is running some final checks on the motorcade in Dublin before it hits the road for Mayo.
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 14, 2023
Looks good to go!#BidenInIreland #ItsAJobWorthDoing pic.twitter.com/2HLucrvHPL
Air Force One can be seen at Dublin Airport again this morning.
Air Force One plus 2 and 3 at Dublin airport #Biden pic.twitter.com/4HxhFiDTH8
— Andy Bell (@andybell5news) April 14, 2023
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland today, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the visit had made for a “very special week”.
“It captures that very special relationship with this president, and indeed with the American people in terms of a shared past,” he said.
“And in many ways, it’s a tribute to the legacy of that past given his own personal family story of emigration, which resonates with many, many families and communities in Ireland, but it’s also a tribute to the rich possibility of the future, which I think he did focus on very significantly.”
The Tánaiste said Biden had focused a lot on values during his trip and the shared values between Ireland and the US.
He said Biden’s remarks will “serve a purpose” in reaching a “balanced resolution of all of the issues pertaining to Northern Ireland”.
However, he added that while Biden got the balance right in his speech in Belfast, but that there was “no immediate sign yet” of a return to Stormont.
“I’ve met all of the parties, and all of the parties are very anxious to get the institutions restored, the Assembly in particular, particularly those newly elected MLAs.”
Asked about Biden’s remarks that the UK should be working closer with Ireland, Martin told Morning Ireland that there had been “closer engagement” with the UK since Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister, and that he hoped the US President’s remarks would not be misconstrued.
Micheál Martin responded to former DUP leader Arlene Foster's claim that Joe Biden "hates the UK" on @morningireland. He said he was "very surprised" and that the word hate is not something he would associate with the US President. | Follow live: https://t.co/igsZXBy569 pic.twitter.com/xgNY1zjLxY
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) April 14, 2023
Martin also said he was “very surprised” by the comment made by former DUP leader Arlene Foster that Biden “hates the UK”.
“The one word that you do not associate with Joe Biden is the word hate. He’s the antithesis of that,” he said.
“I think that was the wrong comment by Arlene. In fact, he often references his British heritage as well, in terms of his grand uncle had been involved in the British Navy, and I think he gave a personal anecdote about that. So I think that was misplaced. He’s not that type of person.”
Asked if he would like to see Foster withdraw the remark, he said: “People make comments. I would just have to say that I would refute it. I don’t have any sense, having met with Joe Biden on quite a number of occasions now, that he hates anybody.”
'Joe Biden hates the UK, I don't think there's any doubt about that.'
— GB News (@GBNEWS) April 11, 2023
Former First Minister of Northern Ireland Dame Arlene Foster says that Joe Biden's visit to Northern Ireland 'won't put any pressure on the DUP because he's seen by so many people as simply pro-republic'. pic.twitter.com/uE6qrLVuoc
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that Biden was always a person that “went out of his way” to give real time to Ireland.
“Of all the American presidents that I’ve seen and met, his has been the most active Irishness of them all,” Kenny said.
“A man deeply proud of his faith, deeply proud of his heritage, and has paid tribute to that during his visit here, and I hope that as a Mayo man myself, that by the time he gets to the Moy River and St Muredach’s Cathedral in Ballina this evening, that they will give him one almighty welcome.”
If you missed Biden’s speech to the joint Oireachtas at Leinster House yesterday and want to catch up, fret not, you can watch the whole thing here:
The town of Ballina is going all our for Biden’s visit later. Branded coffee cups and all.
Even the cups in Ballina are ready 😎☕ #Ballina2023 #BidenInBallina #BidenVisit pic.twitter.com/jHhQtQExG5
— Ballina 2023 (@ballina2023) April 14, 2023
Gardaí in Ballina have been briefed by Chief Superintendent Raymond McMahon this morning ahead of Biden’s visit to Co Mayo.
Chief Superintendent Raymond McMahon addressing Gardaí in Ballina this morning ahead of President Biden's visit to Mayo. #ItsAJobWorthDoing #BidenInIreland pic.twitter.com/TrRNSusbny
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 14, 2023
Welcome to Ballina @POTUS!
— An Post (@Postvox) April 14, 2023
🇺🇸🇮🇪#BidenInIreland pic.twitter.com/ZuEWJJop3e
Ballina awaits#BidenVisit #potus #Biden 🇮🇪🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/OrWuOeV2ih
— Stephen Murphy (@SMurphyTV) April 13, 2023
Climate activist group Young Friends of the Earth Ireland are planning to protest outside the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at 1pm today.
They say they are condemning Biden’s approval of the Willow Project, an oil drilling project in Alaska.
Members of the media are gathering at Ireland West Airport ahead of the arrival of Biden this afternoon.
The worlds media preparing for the arrival of @POTUS 🇺🇸 #BidenVisit pic.twitter.com/vVHVTjfRak
— Ireland West Airport (@Irelandwest) April 14, 2023
Biden was due to depart Dublin Airport at 11.45am for Ireland West Airport in Co Mayo.
However, it looks like things are running a bit behind schedule.
A warm sunny April day in Spring as all lies in readiness for an important domestic flight from @DublinAirport to our friends @Irelandwest for @potus @JoeBiden this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/3y87PBF2W9
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) April 14, 2023
The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Seamus Weir has said that he will be honoured to be the first person to greet President Joe Biden on his arrival in Mayo at Ireland West Airport Knock later this afternoon.
Cllr Weir said: “As the first citizen of Mayo, it will be an honour and a privilege to welcome President Biden to the county of his ancestors, on behalf of the people of Mayo.”
“President Biden’s roots in our county are well known and celebrated. We are proud tocount President Biden as one of our own, and we take great pride in his and his family’s accomplishments, which have seen a son of Mayo rise to the role of President of the United States.”
Biden was scheduled to arrive in Mayo at Ireland West Airport Knock at 1:15pm, however his departure from Dublin has been delayed.
The president’s motorcade left the Conrad hotel in Dublin where he has been staying since his arrival.
It’s understood that the five-star hotel has been completely booked out by the president and his entourage throughout their time here.
Joe Biden has boarded Air Force One and set off for Mayo with his son Hunter Biden and sister Valerie Biden Owens.
Gardaí stand ready to assist as Mayo waits with its arms open to greet President Biden with a céad míle fáilte. #ItsAJobWorthDoing #BidenInIreland pic.twitter.com/VgfUEgQKs3
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 14, 2023
Put the kettle on @Irelandwest. @potus @JoeBiden is on his way. We’ve packed him a decent lunch as we know you have a full day and night of activities planned for him. Enjoy the occasion in the west as much as we have @DublinAirport pic.twitter.com/I8unPIZ3Uz
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) April 14, 2023
Well, would you look who it is.
Welcome to Ballina @donie 💚❤️#Ballina2023 #BidenInIreland @CNN pic.twitter.com/XnmxpgDJnM
— Ballina 2023 (@ballina2023) April 14, 2023
Our Political Correspondent Christina Finn is in Co Mayo today to report on Biden’s visit.
Here’s a quick update from her:
Ballina is kitted out for the Biden visit today, with US flags lining the streets along the drive into the town.
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) April 14, 2023
He has a series of events today, which will culminate in his speech at Saint Muredach’s Cathedral.
Stay with @thejournal_ie for all the updates.
There’s been a bit of rain in Co Mayo this afternoon, but it looks like the sun is back out ahead of Biden’s arrival at Ireland West Airport soon.
After two heavy bouts of rain and hail, the sun is back out at Knock Airport ahead of Joe Biden's arrival in Co Mayo. @Irelandwest pic.twitter.com/V8kWuy8hPE
— Gráinne Ní Aodha (@GNiAodha) April 14, 2023
Air Force Two has just touched down at Ireland West Airport.
Welcome Air Force 2 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/fqMUTnwHsH
— Ireland West Airport (@Irelandwest) April 14, 2023
US President Joe Biden has just touched down at Ireland West Airport in Co Mayo.
US President Joe Biden lands in Knock, Co Mayo, for private visit to shrine ahead of public address in Ballina | Live updates: https://t.co/WuBw7EPF3C pic.twitter.com/9FNcdRD2UW
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) April 14, 2023
Biden has disembarked the aircraft.
Minister for Climate Eamon Ryan is among those greeting the US President on the tarmac.
The US President is running behind schedule today.
He was initially due to arrive in Ireland West Airport at 1.15pm, but he landed about an hour late.
He’s next due to tour the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock, also in Co Mayo.
Former Irish president Mary Robinson said she told Biden at Dublin Castle yesterday about the “famous light in a window” of the Irish president’s official residence Áras an Uachtaráin.
Visible from the main road outside the president’s residence, the light is a symbolic beacon, “lighting the way for Irish emigrants and their descendants, welcoming them to their homeland”.
First placed there by Robinson, the original light now shines in her centre in Ballina.
It remains an important symbol for the Irish diaspora.
“I think he’ll mention the light when he speaks because we were in tune last night,” she said.
Robinson will read a poem about Irish emigration ahead of Biden’s speech tonight.
She will recite The Emigrant Irish by Eavan Boland.
Asked about Biden’s public speeches, Mary Robinson said he had managed to link in a clear pleasure of “being back home” with serious messaging such as powersharing in Northern Ireland, the war in Ukraine and climate change.
She said: “He talked about the economic development but he said it will also include the rights of workers being respected.
“That is so important for a United States president in, you know, in our world today that we understand the rights of workers.
“He spoke about climate change. He spoke about AI, about the enormous promise and the enormous concern.
“He talked about it as an inflection point.
“You know, he had the ability to have serious messages among all the folksy biggest hope for the Irish, which we love, but serious messages were there.”
An honour and a privilege to welcome The President of the United States @JoeBiden @POTUS to the West of Ireland and to @Irelandwest 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇮🇪🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/BHnQEV1VEj
— Ireland West Airport (@Irelandwest) April 14, 2023
If you’re planning to attend the public event in Ballina this evening, here’s some details you might need to know:
Check out details of the shuttle bus services that will be in operation todayfor the visit of @POTUS to Ballina.
— Mayo County Council (@MayoCoCo) April 14, 2023
Shuttle bus services will begin at 4.30pm. Last shuttle departs at 7pm. Pickup will begin at conclusion of event. pic.twitter.com/bPwMWhQcKV
Preparations are well underway for tonight’s public event in Ballina.
Setting the scene at St Muredach’s Cathedral, that Joe Biden's great-great-great-grandfather Edward Blewitt helped build ⛪️ #Ballina2023 #BidenInBallina #BidenInIreland 🇺🇸🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/6JoNgfciiY
— Ballina 2023 (@ballina2023) April 14, 2023
Biden is having a look around the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock.
My trip home to Ireland embodied céad míle fáilte – a hundred thousand welcomes.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 14, 2023
It’s been great to see so many old friends and family – and make some new ones.
Like my Grandfather used to say: “If you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough.” pic.twitter.com/cgXDMQkPRn
Minister for State Thomas Byrne has said that Ireland “could not buy the kind of publicity the country has gotten this week” from the Biden visit.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Today with Philip Boucher-Hayes, Byrne said it was “emblematic of the way a lot of American people think” and in other nations as well among people of Irish ancestry who have “intense pride, connection, and interest”.
Biden touched the apparition wall as part of his tour of the Knock shrine in Co Mayo.
Accompanied by parish priest Fr Richard Gibbons, the US president then entered the Apparition Chapel for some moments of quiet reflection.
It followed a tour of the Knock basilica.
Joe Biden is “really buzzed up” about being in Mayo, a local TD who met him off the plane at Knock airport has said.
Mayo TD Dara Calleary said the US President is someone who is “invested” in his trip to the county, where some of his ancestors hail from.
Calleary told the PA news agency: “He’s really buzzed up about coming to Ballina, looking forward to speaking outside the cathedral and very much invested in his trip to Mayo today.
“We were chatting about that and it was a very relaxed chat. He’s thrilled to be here, and thrilled to be at Knock airport.
“He’s very invested in this trip. This is his third time in six years (visiting Ireland). This is not somebody coming looking for his roots. He knows his roots, he understands his roots and he understands the importance of those roots.”
Calleary said he believes the visit will “be a boost for Ballina” but that it is something that must be built on.
He said: “We’ll enjoy the excitement and we’ll enjoy the occasion but we all have to put our minds together as to how we build on that legacy and that work will begin next week.”
The motorcade has left Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock.
Biden is next set to visit the North Mayo Heritage and Genealogical Centre’s family history research unit.
Biden got caught in a heavy rain shower during his visit to Knock.
Raining in Knock as @potus walks across from Basilica to Apparition Chapel with Fr Richard Gibbons #rtenews #BidenVisit pic.twitter.com/B4ViSkNxul
— Joe Mag Raollaigh (@joemagraollaigh) April 14, 2023
President Biden becomes the first American President to fly into @Irelandwest Knock airport and visit @knockshrine #BidenInIreland @POTUS pic.twitter.com/TU9Txpwx9O
— Ambassador Claire Cronin (@USAmbIreland) April 14, 2023
That’s all from myself, Hayley Halpin, for today.
My colleague Political Reporter Tadgh McNally will take you through the next few hours.
We’re starting to see some photos of Biden touring Knock roll in now.
Biden is now travelling to Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
He had initially planned to visit the North Mayo Heritage and Genealogical Centre first.
The visit to the hospice itself is due to be private, with no press pool due to follow Biden around like has been the case for the vast majority of his trip to Ireland.
He previously turned the sod on the site when he visited Ireland in 2017, describing his time in the area as a “deeply moving experience”.
Biden lost his son, Beau Biden, to cancer in 2015 and he has frequently mentioned him in speeches, including yesterday’s address to the Oireachtas.
While in Knock Shrine, Biden broke down in tears after he met with the priest who carried out the last rites on his son Beau Biden, who died of brain cancer in 2015.
Fr Richard Gibbons, speaking to the BBC, said that the chaplain who performed Beau Biden’s last rites – Fr Frank O’Grady – had moved to Knock to work in the Shrine.
“It just so happened, and this was kind of spontaneous, it just so happened that we have, working at the shrine here, the chaplain who gives the last rites of the last anointing to his son in the United States,” Fr Gibbons said.
“Just extraordinary, and I didn’t even know that, I didn’t know that until the president arrived.
“He laughed, he cried, it just kind of hit the man, you could just (see) how deeply it all felt and meant to him.”
“It was an extraordinary afternoon. I won’t forget it, I can tell you that it was quite something else.”
That’s how Fr Richard Gibbons described Biden’s visit to Knock Shrine this afternoon.
Biden has now arrived at the Mayo Roscommon Hospice, arriving in to huge crowds of people gathering to see him.
Leaving the Beast, Biden stopped for a chat with distant cousin Laurita Blewitt before heading over to the plaque that commemorates his late son, Beau.
While Biden is in Mayo, his Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III is in Derry today.
He has already met with SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, who took Kennedy on a tour of local businesses and Ebrington Square.
Eastwood said that Kennedy received a “warm welcome” on his first visit to Northern Ireland since his appointment.
After spending around 45 minutes touring Mayo Roscommon Hospice, US President Joe Biden is now back on the road.
He’s headed for the North Mayo Heritage and Genealogical Centre, where he’s due to meet with the centre’s family history research unit and all eyes will likely be on whether or not he discovers another batch of cousins from the county.
He’s due to fly over towards the centre shortly on board Marine One, the presidential helicopter.
Meanwhile, reporters are being moved towards St Muredach’s Cathedral in Ballina, where Biden is due to address the public later on this evening.
Political Correspondent Christina Finn is on the bus towards the Cathedral and has spotted crowds of people queueing to get access to the venue.
People in Ballina are already queuing for this evening’s event with US President Joe Biden. pic.twitter.com/tgoyiqNsqg
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) April 14, 2023
Despite some showery weather, there’s a good turn out here in Ballina. pic.twitter.com/ckaQMeD5t9
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) April 14, 2023
Pool reporters are now in place at the North Mayo Heritage and Genealogy Centre, with Biden expected to arrive imminently.
The centre itself is located in Enniscoe House near Crossmolina, with the President flying in from nearby Castlebar.
He’s due to learn more about his family connections to the county, before he heads to Ballina for his public address to the town.
We’ve got photos coming in of the gathered crowds waiting for President Biden in Ballina.
#PresidentBiden makes poignant visit to @MayoRoscHospice in Castlebar to see plaque in memory of his son Beau- Hospice CEO Martina Jennings describes a very emotional stop for @potus @drivetimerte @RTERadio1 pic.twitter.com/gWoQBYttW7
— John Cooke (@johncookeradio) April 14, 2023
The musical performances for those gathered in Ballina have just kicked off, with The Academic the first to take to the stage.
The Chieftains and Coronas will also be performing.
Former Irish president Mary Robinson has arrived at the public event for US President Joe Biden in Ballina.
She is due to read a poem about emigration by Eavan Boland during the event.
The Academic are wrapping up their set with ‘Bear Claws’.
Elsewhere, Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh has compared the occasion to an All-Ireland final, as Ballina prepared for Joe Biden’s final public address.
“There is a great sense of occasion here, there is great anticipation building for President Biden,” the Sinn Féin TD said.
Asked whether Biden’s visit could bring some good luck to the Mayo GAA team, she said: “We are hoping.”
She said the event reminded her of an All-Ireland GAA final.
“It is that sense of anticipation when you’re going into Croke Park, that you’re expecting something good.”
Biden is currently touring the North Mayo Heritage Centre ahead of his Ballina homecoming speech.
The weather has been kind to the thousands waiting in Ballina so far…
The Academic have just wrapped up their set.
Here’s a taste of their performance from our political correspondent Christina Finn.
The music has started, The Academic are up. pic.twitter.com/8XkaYG4QRu
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) April 14, 2023
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has arrived in Ballina, ahead of Biden’s speech later this evening.
The men’s and ladies’ Mayo teams are now on stage, with ladies’ captain Kathryn Sullivan giving a few words.
She says it’s an honour to be there on such a historic evening “to welcome Joe Biden back home”.
Adds that they are about to witness something they will remember forever.
“There’s no show like a Joe show,” she says. “Up Mayo!”
The Coronas are now taking to the stage.
This is their second time performing for a US president, having performed on College Green in 2011 for Barack Obama.
The Coronas now entertaining the crowds here in Ballina. pic.twitter.com/1WHLfBhfCB
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) April 14, 2023
While the programme of events is well underway in Ballina, the US President is still at the North Mayo Heritage Centre.
He’s been able to hear a bit of trad music and spoke with some of the Caffery family, who own a shop on the site of the former Blewitt family home.
Ernie Caffery presented Biden with a brick from the old house, enclosed within a case.
“It’s a 200 year old brick,” Biden said.
“That’s incredible.”
While the Coronas are still playing away in Ballina, Fine Gael TD and former Mayo footballer Alan Dillon said that there’s a good energy going around the town ahead of Biden’s visit.
“You can feel the energy around the town as the build-up continues and it’s amazing to see so many young people really, really excited about the presidential visit, and he is coming back to where he feels his roots are firmly placed and there is a huge sense of pride here today,” Dillon said.
“I think if you listen to Joe Biden the last number of days, he talks about the values around respect, dignity, courage, and what more have we here tonight than people who actually want to acknowledge one of their sons coming back and give Ballina and Mayo that homecoming that he deserves.”
Dillon also says that he asked Biden to say a prayer for the Mayo GAA team, with the team not taking home the All-Ireland since 1951.
“Yeah, I asked him in his quiet moment of reflection, maybe to talk to the man above and ask him to do us some good this year on the football field.
“He smiled, he’s well aware of the famine we have in this county,” he said, referring to the team’s lack of success.
Dillon added that he expected Biden to mention this in his speech later this evening, with the US President saying: “Don’t worry, I’ll address that one”.
The crowds over in Ballina are continuing to swell, spreading across the Ham Bridge which crosses the River Moy.
There are no official estimates on attendance yet, but it’s likely into the tens of thousands at this stage.
There’s been a bit of a downpour in Ballina over the last little while, with it only starting to ease up now.
But with rain, comes a rainbow!
Alan Dillon isn’t the only Mayo TD whispering in the ear of Joe Biden trying to get a mention of “Mayo for Sam” into his speech this evening, with Michael Ring telling reporters that he hopes it will be his last message this evening.
Ring invited Biden to return to Mayo in September if the All-Ireland is brought back to the county.
“I said to him, you’ll have to come back in September if we win it and he might just do that,” Ring said.
“We’re waiting for that Sam Maguire, we’ve had everybody now. We’ve had the President of the United States, we’ve had the Pope and we’ve had many many distinguished visitors over the years into Mayo.
“There’s only one guy missing, and you know who that fella is: Uncle Sam. I’m talking about Sam Maguire, we need that once and for all to give the people of this county a lift.
“We love our football, we love our sport, we love our politics and we love the country.”
We’ve just gotten an estimate of the size of the crowd from our political correspondent Christina Finn, who is in Ballina for Biden’s speech.
She says that there’s between 16,000 and 20,000 people gathered to watch Biden this evening.
The Chieftains are now on stage in Ballina for their first performance since the death of Paddy Maloney in 2021.
It’s set to be the band’s last ever gig, playing before Joe Biden arrives for his speech later this evening.
The temperatures have dropped way back but The Chieftains have got the dancing going. pic.twitter.com/HqRHA84RQj
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) April 14, 2023
Tributes were paid to the late Paddy Moloney by Kevin Conneff and Matt Molloy during the performance, who have been members of the Chieftains since 1976.
Biden has now left the North Mayo Heritage Centre, with Marine One making its way to Ballina now.
While at the Heritage Centre, Biden filmed an interview with American TV host Joe Scarborough all about the Good Friday Agreement, which is due to be broadcast on 25 April.
Marine One has landed near St Muredach’s Cathedral, against the backdrop of some Irish music. pic.twitter.com/MkEAVBrCOf
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) April 14, 2023
Former Taoiseach and Mayo man Enda Kenny is in Ballina for the festivities, having been with Biden at the North Mayo Heritage Centre this afternoon.
Marine One has landed near St Muredach’s Cathedral, against the backdrop of some Irish music. pic.twitter.com/MkEAVBrCOf
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) April 14, 2023
RTÉ are reporting that Biden is about five minutes out from St Muredach’s Cathedral.
It is understood that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will deliver some remarks first.
The rain cover is now off the podium and the bulletproof glass is in place.
The podium is set and the bullet proof glass has been polished… Joe Biden up next. pic.twitter.com/yTNLVJdCtq
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) April 14, 2023
Mark Duffy, independent councillor for Ballina now speaking.
“Tonight we are celebrating in Ballina. We’re celebrating our history, our heritage, our culture and most importantly, our people,” Duffy said
“In just a few minutes time, the President of the USA is in Ballina for the third time.”
Duffy mentions that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will be speaking and there are some audible boo’s from the crowd.
However, when Varadkar is welcomed to the stage there is plenty of cheering.
Varadkar welcomes Biden back to Ballina, saying that the story of Ireland can be told through poetry and music, but it is “most eloquently expressed” through its people.
“It is a story of longing – for a better life, a better society, and a better world. A story of unimaginable courage in the face of loss,” Varadkar said.
“And, above all, it is a story of love – for country, for family, and for community.
“It is your story, Mr President, as well as our own.”
Varadkar refers to Biden as the “most Irish of all American Presidents not because of what is written on your family tree, but because of what is enshrined in your soul”.
“We did not need to gather here today in our thousands to say: ‘Welcome back to Ireland’. In your heart, you never left.”
On the RTÉ stream, there are shouts of “Mayo for Sam” and “bring on the Joe show”.
Biden begins his speech by thanking Mark Duffy and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, while also praising the music this evening.
“Let’s give another big hand by the way to the Chieftains.”
Biden mentions Fr Frank O’Grady, who he met at Knock Shrine this afternoon by coincidence, who carried out last rites for his son Beau in 2015.
Biden speaks of hearing about the celebrations that broke out in Ballina after he was declared elected in 2020.
“I’ll tell you what, it means the world to me and my entire family to be embraced as Mayo Joe, son of Ballina.”
“It feels like coming home, it really does. Over the years, stories of this place has become part of my soul.”
Biden is speaking about his relatives, who grew up in Scranton Pennsylvania.
He jokes that his father, Joseph R Biden Sr, had a saving grace in that his mother was a Hannafin from Galway.
“It rescues the fact that Biden is an English name,” he tells the crowd.
Biden is now speaking about Mayo Roscommon Hospice, which he turned the sod on in 2017.
He mentions how there is a plaque dedicated to his son Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015, at the hospice.
He adds that he can’t say how special it is to have that plaque there, keeping a piece of Beau’s legacy among his ancestors.
Some photos now coming in of Biden arriving on stage in Ballina.
Biden says that the world stands “at an inflection point”.
“In these moments we need hope and courage more than ever,” he says.
“We’re facing enormous challenges around the world. Challenges that are too great for any one country to solve alone.”
He mentions the work Ireland carries out helping with the effort to combat world hunger.
Biden also speaks about the “brutal aggression” of Russia with the invasion of Ukraine.
He praises Irish people for their efforts in helping Ukrainian refugees who have been displaced.
“I want to thank you for your incredibly generosity, like so many other Irish families across this country who have opened up their hearts and homes to tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees, fleeing Russia’s brutal violence.”
Biden ends the speech with a rousing “Mayo for Sam”, as U2′s Beautiful Day plays in the background.
One last word from the US President before he leaves… ‘Mayo for Sam’. pic.twitter.com/6F5lp4ZqOF
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) April 14, 2023
Dr Norah Patten, who Biden mentioned in his speech as the Ballina woman who may become Ireland’s first astronaut, has just tweeted this:
I'm absolutely holding back tears of pure emotion..... Pride, joy, shock, and utter appreciation to be mentioned by @POTUS in his speech this evening in Ballina. I'm absolutely speechless. Thank you so sincerely Mr. President. pic.twitter.com/5xq9d3Fsrn
— Dr. Norah Patten 🚀 (@SpaceNorah) April 14, 2023
We’re getting a few more photos in of Biden’s address to Ballina now, from both RollingNews and Press Association.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
what a load of BS , I have not seen a nun under 80 in the last 10 years. my experience with Harvey Norman was I left the shop after being robbed,
@Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh: chuckling.
@Dáithí Ó Raghallaigh: are ye serious?
Ye havent seen one in ten years?
Temple bar was full of them last night.
Fishnet tights and all.!
@Gerry Fallon: @Barra O Brien: Have you been in HN lately its a bit like an experience with Mrs Doyle , will you have a bit of insurance with that, ah! you will, go on, go on……
Have you been in HN lately its a bit like an experience with Mrs Doyle , will you have a bit of insurance with that, ah! you will, go on, go on……
Typical click bait headline in Journal. Priests and nuns mentioned first. The vast majority of them no longer wear identifiable clerical gear. Mr. Neary criticises store managers for not processing their cases properly for court. He should produce the percentages of priests, nuns, neighbours, and school friends if he insists on correctness, then we will see how good he is at his job.
@John Campbell: I did not take it as a literal statement. It was just a colourful way of making the point that anyone can succumb to the temptation if at a low point in life.
@John Campbell: Its alright, they can pray for forgiveness anyway and its all good, thats the way it works isn’t it?
@John Campbell: or indeed name them and we’ll check. Be nice to sue him and his company. An apology to nuns priests would be appropriate. Why not say accountants solicitors gardai. These are not exempted from having a thief among them.
@John Campbell: don’t be so sensitive now. It’s like the it could happen to a bishop phrase
@Tony Daly: ah so it wasn’t a literal statement. In other words, he was lying.
The man is an idiot.
@Tom Burke: but if he caught just one nun and one priest. That would make it true yes? And people shoplift for many reasons as we have been told.
@lavbeer: no, he would need more than one of each because he used plural.
Did he catch a nun or somebody dressed as a nun?
I think he made a stupid comment and he knows it. I’m sure he would be called aside for it.
@John Campbell: and when did we EVER hear of nuns and priests stealing or otherwise breaking the law I ask !
@John Campbell: I challenge you to write the headline the journal should have used.
Those nuns habits are very handy.You could hide a 50″plasma Tv under them and walk out.
@Gerry Fallon: Shop lifting is a terrible habit for a nun….
@Nick McCartan: yeah nuns get into bad habits..
“I spend half my life trawling social media, looking for items that could’ve been stolen from Harvey Norman,” When someone comes out with sihte like that it’s hard to take everything else they say seriously.
Nuns and priests with 60,70 or 80 previous convictions………hmmmm!
@Ian Moloney: more likely for assault on children
@Ian Moloney: your comment was neither mentioned or implied
Retailers present their products as accessibly and invitingly as possible so as to generate sales. That involves the risk of shoplifting. The temptation is presented.
Retailers could do far more to secure their products and to prevent theft in the first place.
@Tony Daly: personal accountability just not in the Irish psyche is it? The government are representative of this.
@lavbeer: prevention is better than detection.
Some medical conditions and even treatments result in kleptomania. Depression sometimes manifests in kleptomaniac especially in the case of post menopausal women, some anti depressant medication compounds the risk.
Then certian anti Parkinson’s medications addressing dopamine insufficiency will cause kleptomania.
There are poor people who are seduced by the attractiveness of the product, know the can’t afford it, but want it partly to alleviate their deprived lives.
There are also criminal gangs which spot lax prevention security and the ease of access to product and see an easy way of making money.
Our society is built on consumerism. With lax prevention, there will always be those who take consumerism too far.
Tempt and entice people. They will respond.
@Tony Daly: yeah, I mean what is the retailer thinking trying to maximize sales.
Tony that’s probably one of the most ridiculous comments I’ve seen on here and that’s saying something.
@Jane: retailers charge an extra margin in order to reflect theft. Theft can be prevented. Retailers should not use scarce Garda and Court resources over preventable and avoidable problems.
@Tony Daly: You’re on fire this morning, Tony. A masterclass in shit talk. It’s the retailers’ fault for putting merchandise on display, is it? Postmenopausal thieving wimmin can’t be blamed though, it’s the tablets!
@George Roche: it requires thought and that is not your forte.
@Tony Daly: I am just reading through court cases now where the defence solicitor brought something like that up and the judge accepted it.
No personal responsibility or accountability in Tonyland.
@Tony Daly:
Complete and utter bs
It’s everyone else’s fault.
@Tony Daly: I’m not trying to say you haven’t put a lot of thought into your position, just that your thoughts are rubbish.
@Tony Daly: sorry but your comment is just rubbish .. people rob because they want the product but don’t want to pay the price for it . Why not lock all the products in cages so nobody will be tempted . .bit like women should cover up so that men won’t be tempted to rape them ..
@Tony Daly: Sorry, that’s ridiculous. Most people know right from wrong and if they can’t afford impulse buying, they don’t steal. This man sees more dishonest people than the average person because of his job – it doesn’t mean that most people are like that. He points out himself that these are reoffenders stealing for the thousandth time. It’s not an argument for locking everything up. It’s the thieves he wants locked up. Everyone else wants to see what they’re buying, otherwise you might as well take a chance online and be forever returning items.
Worked in HN for 4 1/2 years, the amount of shoplifters we caught was ridiculous, but it’s easier to let them go
@Barra O Brien: many priests or nuns did you catch?
How about ex Taoiseach or Presidents?
Ya got to watch then.
@Barra O Brien: …..Have you been in HN lately its a bit like an experience with Mrs Doyle , will you have a bit of insurance with that, ah! you will, go on, go on……
Can this guy refer us to one case, just one, where ‘Hardly Normal’ (I like that) secured a conviction against a priest or a nun. It is the kind of thing that would make headlines.
Nah, didn’t think so.
The man is a clown.
Why is everything in harvey Norman so expensive. Rip off.
If Harvey Norman actually stopped the Rediculous repeated advertising of their so called weekly sale and employed more security instead they might make money. I’d love to see their advertising bill.
@James O’Brien:
And you just advertised it again for them! For free.
@P.J. Nolan: pointless comment of the day.
Nuns and priests! Small time stuff.
Ever see a flock of Bishops on the rampage.
@Tony Daly: only on father Ted.
If Mr Neary hadn’t mentioned priests, nuns and neighbours his speech would never have made it to the media.
lol – as if nuns & priests are supposed to be pillars of societies. They’re the biggest criminal gangs in the country – killing babies & raping kids, then covering it up. Shoplifting is nothing to them.
Ask Lorraine Higgins if this is true she is the head of Public Affairs and Communication,Retail Excellence. She is also a failed Politician.
Many years ago a young woman flying back from her first trip to New York got talking to a bald-headed young priest on an Aer Lingus flight. She was worried and anxious, and confided she had purchased a new-fangled curling tongs in America, and didn’t want to declare it to Customs and pay heavy duties. ”My child, I will assist you, insasmuch as I will not lie but will only tell the truth if asked.” said the priest. At that he took the tongs, nipped to the loo, and shoved the whole thing down the front of his trousers under his cassock.
Going through the Green Channel, he was challenged by Customs ‘Anything to declare?’ to which he replied. ”Above the waist, nothing but my genius”. To which the amused Customs officer shot back: ”And below the waist?”
”It is nothing but a trifle, a thing of interest to women perhaps but of little use to me.”
”Fair enough and on ya go Father.”
Would you like insurance with your €25 toaster?
If anything happens, if you drop it walking out the door or anything happens we will give you a full replacement, no questions.
It will cost you only €5 / month for 2 years.
Most big stores will have security managers who are trained to deal with courts . .
Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane are signed up to do a movie about it. It’s called nuns on the run 2.
They were told not to open. An outlet so close to the Vatican
Neighbours of the nuns, security guards or the store?
The issue I have is why would Priests and Nuns be singled out. They don’t have a monopoly on morality. Ordinary people especially struggling people who have Christian beliefs are much more genuine when it comes to morals than any Priest or Nun.
Who gives a f##k….what a stupid story.
Rubbish show the proof Nuns and priests were caught thieving? more hate towards Christians
have your say