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Irish Home of Prez's Ancestor Has O'Bama Fever

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 13, 2009 3:18 PM CDT

(Newser) – Moneygall, Ireland, has two pubs, 298 people, and happens to be the birthplace of Barack Obama’s great-great-great-grandfather, the Los Angeles Times reports. The fact is not lost on the quaint hamlet, where one pub flies an American flag and the plumbing supply company uses the president’s face in its ads. “There’s a definitive blood link between our family and Barack Obama,” said one eighth cousin.

“The resemblance is uncanny,” his friend quipped. Moneygall’s enthusiasm for Obama caught the eye of media outlets, and the town was swamped with satellite trucks during November’s election. And residents have more to look forward to. Not only is an Obama heritage center planned, but the man himself has pledged to travel to his long-lost home and raise a pint.

Moneygall celebrates Obama's election.
Moneygall celebrates Obama's election.   (AP Photo)
Joe and Julia Hayes at their pub in the town of Moneygall.
Joe and Julia Hayes at their pub in the town of Moneygall.   (AP Photo)
hurch of Ireland rector Stephen Neill with the record books of births and marriages that contains details of distant ancestors of President Obama.
hurch of Ireland rector Stephen Neill with the record books of births and marriages that contains details of distant ancestors of President Obama.   (AP Photo)
A  Barack Obama sign in the town of Moneygall, Ireland.
A Barack Obama sign in the town of Moneygall, Ireland.   (AP Photo)
Templeharry Church of Ireland rector Stephen Neill was instrumental in determining Obama's Irish lineage.
Templeharry Church of Ireland rector Stephen Neill was instrumental in determining Obama's Irish lineage.   (AP Photo)
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A local band capitalized on the connection with "There's No One as Irish as Barack Obama."   (rafaelsb83)

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Guest
Mar 15, 2009 6:44 AM CDT
Ah well, now we know. My husband is Obama's 6th cousin. (Just a white housewife from Indiana, here.)
OWLWOMANXXXX
Mar 13, 2009 9:08 PM CDT
I wondered where all that charm came from
Guest
Mar 13, 2009 5:34 AM CDT
wing nut
 

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