Emotional visit to cemetery
In what was a solemn moment in a visit filled with emotion, American Vice President Joe Biden reached out to touch the headstone which bore the names of his ancestors.
A private family visit to Kilwirra cemetery in Whitestown saw a poignant reflection for the Vice President as he stood at the burial ground of his forebearers.
Welcoming him at the cemetery was Cooley parish priest Fr. Malachy Conlon, who remarked on how ‘visibly moved’ he was at the graveside.
‘It was an honour to welcome him, and it was clear that it was an emotional moment,’ Fr. Conlon told the Argus.
The headstone, which had a barely visible inscription reads ‘Erected by Thomas Finegan, in memory of his beloved father Thomas Finegan, who died 25th August 1862. Also his beloved mother Catherine, who died 7th February 1847. Here also are interred his two brothers James and Patrick Finegan.’
Fr. Conlon added that the Vice President was ‘very warm, and appreciative of the welcome he received in Cooley.’
‘You could see and feel how much this meant to him. He is very strong in family.’
The parish priest added that it was an ‘incredible’ day for the whole community of Whitestown, many of whom lined the roads to welcome the cavalcade as it carefully navigated the back roads of the Cooley Peninsula to find the burial ground of Mr. Biden’s ancestors.