‘A sandwich for the sniper on the roof’ - kitchen told
It’s not often a restaurant gets to serve lunch to the Vice President of the United States.
But looking after his security detail is, as the American’s would say, ‘a whole other ball game.’
With so many security personnel on duty during the visit of Joe Biden and his family to north Louth last Saturday, keeping everyone watered and fed was always going to be a logistical challenge.
So, when it came to the lunch break at a packed Fitzpatrick’s, there were more than a few mouths to feed.
After, that is of course, the VIP’s were looked after.
‘ Things were very busy, as you can imagine in the kitchen throughout the day,’ said owner Danny Fitzpatrick.
‘But at one stage one of the girls came in and said ‘I’m going to say something now that I’ll probably never have to again, but can I get a sandwich for the sniper on the roof ?’
A humorous aside during a day were security remained throughout a top priority for the Vice President and his family.
And for one little five year old, an image was captured that she will forever cherish as she grows up.
As Mr. Biden said his thanks and good-byes to all the staff at Fitzpatrick’s, he caught the eye of Aoibheann Brennan, from Lordship, who was there to wave the Vice President off.
Making a quick dash over to shake her hand, Mr. Biden asked ‘ What age are you ? Four?’
The plucky little youngster proudly replied ‘Five’ to which the Vice President said ‘Five! You’re getting old’
Showing much of the charm which later won over the crowds waiting for him in Carlingford, America’s second most powerful man leaned in and quietly gave her a little bit of advice for the future.
‘No serious dates now until you’re thirty years old.’
Nodding to her father Shane, who proudly looked on, the Vice President added: ‘I speak for every father don’t I?’
When he eventually reached Carlingford and received his ‘Honorary Freedom’ award, the Vice President decided to use his newly afford title to take a walk around and meet some of the adoring crowds.
Shaking hands, offering hugs, and posing for more ‘selfies’ that he’ll ever care to remember, the American charm was in full force as the Biden clan joined him for the meet and greet.
Soon, time was up for those who treasured the return of a ‘ returning son of Cooley’ and the Vice President began the short journey to Whitestown to visit the cemetery where his ancestors who saw their loved ones off to the United States over 10 years ago, were laid to rest.