Limerick man given key role in welcoming President Donald Trump to Shannon
Shortly before 2.30pm, the 47th president of the United States touched down aboard Air Force One on the tarmac at Shannon, where he was greeted by a number of politicians and dignitaries
THE POLITICAL responsibility of welcoming US President Donald Trump to Shannon Airport fell to a Limerick man this Saturday afternoon.
Shortly before 2.30pm, the 47th president of the United States touched down aboard Air Force One on the tarmac at Shannon, where he was greeted by a number of politicians and dignitaries.
They included Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan.
The Fine Gael TD for Limerick County was the first political figure introduced to the ‘USA’ baseball hat-wearing president after he descended the final step of Air Force One.
The Newcastle West man shook hands and engaged in a brief conversation with Mr Trump before he moved on to greet others in the line-up, including Minister of State and Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Timmy Dooley, as well as the Irish Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Joe Killeen and CEO of Shannon Airport Ray O'Driscoll were also on hand to welcome Mr Trump and his entourage.
After a brief exchange with those gathered to greet him, the US President boarded the Marine One helicopter to fly to Doonbeg to watch the Amgen Irish Open, which is being hosted at his property, Trump International Golf Links & Hotel.
Mr Trump flew into Dublin this Saturday morning, where he met with President of Ireland Catherine Connolly and An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, before travelling on to County Clare.