Moneygall, Ireland
Barack Obama is an Irishman, Irish genealogists said this week. The genealogists said the Democratic presidential contender’s great–great–great–grandfather on his mother’s side, Fulmuth Kearney, was reared in Moneygall, Ireland, before emigrating to the United States in 1850. While the Obama campaign hasn’t yet confirmed the connection, the news has excited Moneygall, a town of 298 people who are now eagerly following the U.S. election. “It would be brilliant if he won,” said local man Henry Healy, “because for one thing, he is related to me, and also it would be good for the village.” When Ronald Reagan was elected, Ballyporeen, the village where his ancestors lived, profited from an influx of American tourists.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.