FLASHBACK: Joe Biden and family visit Newgrange in June 2016

We've been waiting a while for Joe Biden - John Donohoe waited a while for him a few years ago too! This was his report ...

“If we’re not out in 1,000 years, come and get us.” So declared the United States Vice-President, Joe Biden, as he and his family as they prepared to enter the millennia-old Newgrange Passage Tomb on Saturday morning.

Well, we had waited long enough for his arrival. Another 1,000 years wasn’t going to make any difference.

It was the first time in many years that the 5,000 year-old passage tomb and its visitor centre had such a high profile visitor, and security was tight around Donore and Slane.

It was an ‘off the record’ day for the White House party, so the media were allowed accompany the Vice Presidental entourage, under strict supervision. It was look, but don’t touch.

The media crew of 13 was brought on the scenic route to Newgrange from Donore, via Slane, in a 20 minute-round trip that had us outside the monument around 10.45am, three quarters of an hour before the Biden party was to arrive. Or so we thought.

We were given our security briefing. Cameras and laptops were scanned. We were screened. If we disappeared out of sight of our two minders, or the gardai, we were out. No re-screening. We’re off the bus.

The Bidens were just thinking of making a stir out of the bed in the embassy at this stage, it seems. We waited. Made small talk about the Brexit. Some of the journos requiring toilet facilities needed a Garda escort to relieve themselves. Eventually, around 12.25pm, the advance chopper flew over, and 10 minutes later, an entourage of about 20 vehicles arrived, accompanied by a squad of Garda outriders.

Even though rain was threatened, the sun shone as soon as the VP emerged from his heavy duty vehicle, and he was greeted by Claire Tuffy, manager of the Bru na Boinne visitor centre, who was taking it all in her stride as she welcomed yet another international dignatory.

The VP was well briefed on his foreign affairs.

“Tell me the story about Helmut Kohl,” he joked, a reference to the fact that the former German chancellor visited the interpretative centre rather than the tumulus, as he may not have fitted through the entrance.

The VP’s party of 12 had no problem fitting in. We don’t know if they ever came out, as the media were whisked off site before they re-emerged. After two hours Biden our time, we had a 10 minute Joe show.