GALLERY: When the Obamas went to Moneygall

With the news that Michelle Obama is heading for these parts when Barack attends a G8 summit in the north next month, rumours are inevitably abound that the First Lady will return to Moneygall with the couple’s two daughters in tow.

Mrs Obama had previously said she would like to bring 14-year-old Malia and 11-year-old Sasha to visit their father's ancestral village in Co Offaly. Moneygall was the birthplace of the oddly-named Falmouth Kearney, a shoemaker’s son who took a coffin ship to the New World in 1850 and became great-great-great grandfather to President Barack Obama.

No specific plans have been made yet, however, so why not remember the Obamas’ visit two years ago with our pick of the pics before their itinerary is announced…

Henry Healy, (left) and Canon Stephen Neill get tickets 0001 and 0002 ahead of Obama’s visit. Henry Healy is the eighth cousin of the US President

Mmmmm, ice cream. Two of the younger well-wishers enjoy a tasty cone

But five-week-old James Nolan was the youngest of the lot to meet the POTUS

Michelle Obama greets well wishers in Moneygall, County Offaly

Hugs and handshakes all round

Inevitably, there was a huge security presence as the couple greeted some locals outside T Hayes’ bar

Where they both enjoyed a good pint of the black stuff

Sadly they were off on their travels again soon after…

Photos: Press Association, AFP, Paul McErlane, Kim Haughton, Larry Cummins