'Is Fedidir Linn' - President Obama Celebrates His Irish Heritage

President Obama concluded his historic visit to Ireland yesterday, with a visit to his ancestral home in Moneygall, Co. Offaly.

The rural village, which has only one street was where his great-great-great grandfather, Falmouth Kearny lived, before emigrating to America. After meeting distant relatives and spending time in the local pub, Mr. Obama and his wife Michelle, returned to Dublin where the President addressed a crowd of 40,000 spectators.

'If there is anyone out there who still doubts that Ireland is a place where all things are possible, today is your answer. Today the 44th American President comes home' - Taoiseach Enda Kenny introduces Mr. Obama to the crowd

Mr Obama introduced himself to the crowd, saying: 'I've come home to find the apostrophe that we lost somewhere along the way', echoing his humble roots and the importance of his Irish heritage. He continued  to emphasise the continuing importance of the relationship between Ireland and the United States - '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'. He paid tribute to the previous US Presidents who claimed Irish heritage - including Bill Clinton and the significance of John F. Kennedy's influence in a world terrified by the Cold War: 'And when an Iron Curtain fell across this continent and our way of life was challenged, it was our first Irish president... John F. Kennedy, who made us believe 50 years ago this week that mankind could do something as big and bold and ambitious as walk on the moon. He made us dream again'. 

'And America will stand by you, always' - Barack Obama addresses the crowd in College Green

The visit has been another continuation of the Story of The Wild Geese and reminds us of the inspiration behind The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey:

'Overtime the migrants formed communities, often intermarrying and became a vital force in their host societies. However, they never forgot their homeland and dreamt of one day returning to Ireland'

Mr Obama encouraged the Irish people to remember what Ireland and the United States had achieved together. He roused the crowd by saying: 'Remember that whatever hardships the winter may bring, springtime is always just around the corner. And if they keep on arguing with you, just respond with a simple creed: Is feidir Linn. Yes We Can'.

The President also promised that this would not be a one-off visit, as his eighth cousin, Henry Healy said 'He has promised he's coming back and we can't wait and we'll have a hooley'. 

Obama Celebrates His Irish Ancestry

President Obama and the First Lady arrive at Dublin Airport

Ireland welcomed US President Barack Obama this morning. The President's visit marks a celebration of Obama's Irish heritage. Welcomed by Ireland's deputy Prime Minister Tanaiste Eamon, The President and his wife, Michelle Obama continued on to meet Irish President Mary McAleese, where after a warm welcome, the President expressed- 'Thank you so much. We're thrilled to be here'. 

The President signs a guest book in the drawing room of The Aras an Uachtarain

Mr. Obama is scheduled to visit the village of Moneygall, Co. Offaly - the place of his Irish heritage. His great-great-great grandfather, Falmouth Kearney left Ireland for America 160 years ago and Mr. Obama is expected to meet with fellow descendants, including his distant cousin Henry Healy, who still lives in the rural village and Healy's aunt, who is thought to be Obama's oldest living relative in Ireland, who said 'it's very exciting for us all... We all had great excitement in the beginning when the word came through he was related to us'. The entire village has been anticipating the visit for well over a month, by re-painting houses, laying fresh pavement and tidying gardens - playing the generous and friendly hosts the Irish are renowned for.

Henry Healy, Barack Obama' eighth cousin and Moneygall resident

Obama first discovered his Irish roots while campaigning for the Presidency in 2008. 'It was brought to my attention... that my great-great-great-grandfather on my mother's side hailed from a small village in County Offaly'.  Although this visit marks the start of Obama's 2012 re-election campaign, the trip has been more popularly known as a homecoming and gesture of solidarity and kinsmanship. Obama has elaborated on this, saying: 'The friendship and the bond between the United States and Ireland could not be stronger... Obviously it is not just a matter of strategic interests. It's not just a matter of foreign policy, for the United States and Ireland carries a blood lineage'. 

Many t-shirts were printed to mark Obama's first visit to Ireland

The President of The United States has always traditionally visited Ireland. It is a country of great importance to the formation of the American nation, and it is thought that there are up to 40 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry. 


Ahead of the visit, the Irish Ambassador to the United States, Michael Collins, explained that the visit was 'a chance for the President to really celebrate the ties between our countries and the kind of unique feelings that the American people have for Ireland'. He continued, saying that 'the visit of the president represents a very bright moment for us', a fitting statement, as upon being greeted by Mary McAleese, Obama noted that 'The sun's coming out - I can feel it'. 

Whiskies of The World, San Francisco - 26th March 2011 (Pt. 2)

'The Irish know their Whiskey. Go Geese!'

 We you all enjoyed writing this feedback as we did reading it! We hope you continue to enjoy our Collection!



'The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes Rocks!'

'The Wild Geese in my new... Lover/Boyfriend/Husband'

You're making us blush!

  

'9 out 10 Whiskeyologists agree... its REALLY GOOD. Really.' 

'Awesome Geese!!'

We love the drawing.

'Oh Blimey!'

Our friends across the pond are pretty artistic. Keep the drawings coming!

'The Best!'

Simple and to the point. We love it. 

'Loved the Drink! Send me some Wild Geese over seas!'

'Smooth & Smoke. Ireland gets me every time. Marry me?'

Thats our second proposal, we're flattered. 

'Wild Geese over seas'

We love your take on our 'tattoo' logo and the reference to the brand story. Really great.

We hoe everyone who went to Whiskies of the World enjoyed themselves and we're already looking forward to our next event - WSWA in Orlando, Florida. 

Whiskies of The World, San Francisco - 26th March 2011

The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey - sold in North and Central America under the 'brand name' The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes - was showcasing at Whiskies of the World in San Francisco last weekend. 

The event was great fun and we were astounded by the response The Collection received from the public. Its really great to see people enjoying the whiskey and connecting with the story that inspires it. 

'This Whiskey made a soldier out of me'
The story of the Flight of the Wild Geese is a key driving force behind our brand, and we really enjoy sharing it with the consumer

'Ab Fab! Tour WILL be arranged next Ireland trip'

'Slaíte Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes'
'Slaíte' is a traditional drinking toast, meaning Good Health. We share the sentiment.

The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes is available at Bevmo stores in California

'Very nice and smooth'
Thanks Joe!

'Exquisite'

'Very Smooth'