‘Ireland’s best days are yet to come’
Speaking to an energised crowd of tens of thousands in Dublin, Mr Obama spoke of his Irish roots, the country’s relationship with America and challenges facing the two nations.
In an uplifting and reflective speech lasting 24 minutes, Mr Obama also praised our education system which he said had created some of the best entrepreneurs in the world.
Opening his address in the College Green, he joked that he had come home to find the apostrophe in his name.
Thanking Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his wife Fionnuala for their warm welcome, Mr Obama also paid tribute to Dr Garret FitzGerald, commending the late taoiseach’s belief in the power of education, youth and peace.
He described how as a young politician in Chicago, he had told locals who could not pronounce his name that it was Irish.
Then, Mr Obama reflecting on links between Ireland and America, said: “We are bound by history, shared friendship and values. That’s why I’ve come here today, as America’s president, to reaffirm those bonds of affection.”
Mr Obama said he had received a warm welcome in Moneygall, Co Offaly, from his “long-lost eighth cousin”, Henry.
He imagined what it must have been like for his distant relative, Falmouth Kearney, who had emigrated to New York in 1850.
“But standing there in Moneygall, I could not but think how heartbreaking it must have been for that great-great-great grandfather of mine and so many others to part, to watch Donegal’s coast and Dingle’s cliffs recede, to leave behind all they knew in that something better lay over the horizon.”
He said generations of Irish people had made sacrifices with the belief of creating new lives in America. This American dream of a better life was passed onto their children, he said, adding: “Never has a nation so small inspired so much in another. Irish signatories are on our family documents, Irish blood was spilled on our battle fields, Irish sweat built our great cities.”
Mr Obama again reflected on the friendship between 19th century anti-slave campaigner Frederick Douglass and Irish liberator Daniel O’Connell, as well as the Irish roots behind former US presidents such as Ronald Reagan and John F Kennedy.
“You could say there has always been a little green behind the red, white and blue,” he added.
Mr Obama also spoke of challenges currently facing Ireland and America.
“Both of our nations have faced great trials in recent years, including recessions so severe that many of our people are still trying to fight their way out and naturally our concern turns to our families, our friends and our neighbours.”
He said Ireland had faced dark times before, including during our occupation.
“Yours is a history frequently marked by the greatest of trials and deepest of sorrow. But yours is also a history of proud and defiant endurance.”
Ireland had a “resilient history” and was a nation to “beat all the odds, he said.
Mr Obama praised Ireland’s education system, noting that the country had produced some of the best entrepreneurs in the world.
He added: “I see those people here today and know that Ireland will succeed.”
He praised the peace process, and said the recent elections in the North had attracted little international attention.
Ireland needed to inspire the next generation, he said.
“This little country that inspires the biggest things, your best days are still ahead. Our greatest triumphs in America and Ireland alike are still to come.”
