Taoiseach returns home to a hero's welcome

Crowds gathered across Co Offaly today to give Taoiseach Brian Cowen a generous welcome home to the midlands on his first homeward trip since taking office last Wednesday.

The Taoiseach is on a whirlwind tour of his locality this weekend, taking in Edenderry, Tullamore and his native Clara today, whilst moving on to Ferbane and Birr tomorrow.