A special Secret Service mission ordered by John F Kennedy involved a search for a precious heirloom from the old family homestead in Bruff, it was recalled yesterday in the Co Limerick town.

Kennedy always got close to Irish crowds, writes Ray Ryan

It is now widely accepted that US president John F Kennedy would never have visited Limerick in 1963 were it not for the persistence of Mayor Frances Condell.

RICHARD HARRIS and Frank McCourt have achieved international recognition.