Obama's ancestry traced back to 18th century Dublin
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
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Genealogists have uncovered fresh evidence of Barack Obama's Irish ancestry revealing the US Presidential hopeful descended from an 18th century Dublin property mogul.
Previous records found Mr Obama's fourth great grandfather was a shoemaker in the midlands village of Moneygall, whose son Fulmuth Kearney left for the US in 1850.
But researchers at Trinity College Dublin delved further into the would-be-president's colourful past to find his sixth great granduncle was a prominent Dublin businessman in the 1700s.
Wig-maker Michael Kearney brushed shoulders with Ireland's aristocracy on a daily basis and bought and sold property throughout the city and parts of the country.
Obama's political dynasty can also be traced to Kearney who was heavily involved in the trade politics of Dublin at that time.
A distant cousin was also discovered - John Kearney - who served as the head of Trinity College and Bishop of the midlands Diocese of Ossory in the early 19th century.
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It doesn't matter what race the man is, as long as he can lead and has a good head on his shoulders. He seems fair enough and you have to give him, not his ethnicity, a chance.
Posted by Leola | 11.03.09, 00:01 GMT
Also being half Irish I am proud that such a great man has the same ancestry as me! I hope Mr. Obama is the next elected president of the United States of America. It will be a breath of fresh air to hear some intelectual speak instead of that southern hick Bush, who can't even pronounce the word nuclear!
Posted by Christopher McLean Scarpelli | 29.10.08, 02:32 GMT
I am part Irish and want nothing to do with O'Bama---especially as our president, not because of who he is or isn't related to, but because he hasn't got one good idea, and associates himself with men of objectional character.
Posted by nancy walker | 09.08.08, 02:14 GMT
Yeah, yeah! Give Obama an Irish ancestry, that will get him past the post.
And why not? I mean the media has been portraying him as JFK 2 since the race began & all he needs now is a dumb blond mistress called Marlyn to complete the picture.
Posted by jock | 08.08.08, 01:27 GMT
That must be the reason that Obama has a little bit of intelligence- his maternal ancesters came from Ireland. I'm from the USA and believe me, he is not as well liked as reported. Only the left wing liberal media - most of the national TV stations are pushing his agenda.
Posted by Mimi Kerr | 08.08.08, 00:55 GMT
Oh sure that's right, top of the mornin' to ye all...back in the old days the family was known as O'Bama, cousins of the O'Kellys of Ballymore they were...
Posted by Bartley Kelly | 06.08.08, 21:12 GMT
Couldnt care less what ancestry this guy has. Him having relatives traced back to Ireland does not impress me AT ALL. Who cares. The guy doesnt belong anywhere near the White House.
Posted by Ruth Cote | 06.08.08, 20:43 GMT
So what? Really? Is it a prerequisite that US presidents have to be somehow linked to us? Is the American Irish, hard core, anti abortion Republican all of a sudden going to vote for Obama now? I think not.
Posted by Neill | 06.08.08, 20:07 GMT
The Kearneys I know, have much more substance, and we don't "change" our minds to the prevailing winds. And we don't like Himself, blessed be his name, overstate our ability to lower the raising seas, or save the planet. We keep our tires inflated. not our egos. I pray that the other guy with the Irish name shines a light on this empty suit. This emperor poseur is naked. You heard it from a real Kearney.
Posted by Jim Kearney, New York | 06.08.08, 19:02 GMT
The source of his charm, undoubtedly.
Posted by Jim Batley, Maryland, USA | 06.08.08, 17:59 GMT