Ballina Residents Celebrate Connection to President Biden
Ballina Residents Celebrate Connection to President Biden – Residents of Ballina, a small town in County Mayo, Ireland, have been preparing for an exciting homecoming: the potential visit of President Joe Biden. The president’s distant cousin, Joe Blewitt, has even accompanied him to Washington for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the White House this year.
The special connection between Ballina and Scranton—the birthplace of Mr. Biden—is also something worth celebrating as many Scranton natives trace their lineage back to County Mayo, many to Ballina specifically. In 2016, Mr. Biden met Blewitt and his sister during a visit to the city and later enjoyed a private dinner with them while he was vice president.
This year, the town is celebrating the 300th anniversary of its foundation and locals are hoping that a visit by President Biden this summer would bring even more attention to the city.
Jarlath Munnely, who heads up Ballina 2023—the organization that formally invited Mr. Biden to the town last year—believes it could be an opportunity for more than just a few handshakes. Local politicians and business owners have already noticed the potential benefits to their economy from having such a close connection with the president and they’re looking forward to welcoming him home in person soon.
This past year was marked by many celebratory moments for Ballina residents, including Padraig Mitchell’s mural of President Biden going viral in 2020. Tourists from all over the world have been coming to Ballina ever since, taking selfies and indulging in the local pub culture that Mr. Biden got a taste of during his previous visits.
For now, residents await an official announcement from the White House outlining plans for President Biden’s visit to Ballina this summer. Until then, locals will continue recalling their favorite memories of the president’s past visits and call Ballina home with pride.
We can only hope that President Joe Biden returns to his ancestral homeland soon—this time as the leader of the free world—to celebrate a momentous occasion with its people who so proudly call our cities home.
Why You Need The Ultimate Ireland Travel Guide (it’s Free)
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Why You Need The Ultimate Ireland Travel Guide (it’s Free)
Are you planning a trip to Ireland? If so, then the Ultimate Ireland Travel Guide is an essential resource. From money and travel documents to facts about Ireland and Irish customs, this guide will give you all the information you need for your trip.
County Mayo Ireland | Things to See and Do
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County Mayo Ireland | Things to See and Do
County Mayo is on the west coast of Ireland. Its scenery ranges from verdant to desertlike, with rocky cliffs at the Atlantic coast. Clew Bay is dotted with small, steep-sided islands, including Clare Island. At the eastern end of the bay, Westport town is known for its Georgian architecture and Westport House, a mansion with dungeons. Nearby is Croagh Patrick, a mountain linked to St. Patrick.
Which US President wore an Irish Claddagh Ring?
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Which US President wore an Irish Claddagh Ring?
Which US President wore an Irish Claddagh Ring?-The first recorded wearing of the Irish Claddagh ring by a president was by John F. Kennedy. He was given the ring by his wife Jackie Kennedy. Other presidents who have worn the ring include Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.
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