Obama invited to Trim during visit to Ireland

Deputy Ray Butler has sent an invitation to President Barack Obama to visit Trim Castle and the Boyne Valley on his forthcoming visit to Ireland in May. The President would be very welcome to Trim, he said. However, it is believed that his ancestors were not! According to local historian, Noel French, Hugh de Lacy, who constructed Trim Castle, was assassinated in Durrow, Co Offaly, in 1186 by Gilla O'Mee, who was acting on behalf of 'Fox' O'Kearney, an earlier ancestor of President Obama. President Obama's great-great-great grandfather was Fulmouth Kearney from Offaly, who left Ireland in 1850. "We can assure the President that the motto of the people of Trim is 'Always welcome the visitor' so he will get a huge, open-armed welcome, unlike his ancestors in the 12th century," said Deputy Butler. "What a fantastic opportunity to showcase our wonderful heritage to the world. The invitation, along with brochures of Trim and The Boyne Valley, was posted this week and a copy of the letter was sent by email to the White House. It would be a great boost for tourism in the county if the President takes up this invitation," he added.