Obama fascinated by his roots: Vicar

US president Barack Obama was fascinated by records proving his Irish ancestry, a vicar who unearthed them has revealed.

Church of Ireland Canon Stephen Neill presented the documents to the world’s most powerful man and his wife Michelle during his historic visit to the small parish.

“He was absolutely fascinated by it,” the cleric said. “I could see they were genuinely interested. He repeatedly thanked me for highlighting this and it was just wonderful.”

Canon Neill, who uncovered the records in the home of an elderly parishioner in 2008, said Mr Obama thanked him for all his hard work tracing his ancestry.

“He said he appreciated so much that we had managed to establish this link with Ireland,” the vicar said. “He was delighted to have links with Ireland and he thanked me.”

The first lady told him “it’s such a small world”.

Canon Neill said he could not get over how well the day went.

“It was so spontaneous, so natural,” he said. “The president and first lady were utterly charming. They met and talked to everybody in the pub and on the streets.

“They gave so generously of their time and of themselves. It was an extraordinary experience.”