Offaly Celebrates Historic Win

Before Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States last Tuesday the celebrations were well underway in Moneygall, Co. Offaly, home to the president-elect's Irish ancestors.

By 7 p.m. Irish time (3 p.m. in New York), locals from the small village of Moneygall (population 299) gathered at Ollie's bar in the village to watch history unfold, as one of their own was about to be elected the next leader of the U.S.

Ollie Hayes, proprietor of Ollie's bar, told the Irish Voice that the atmosphere on Tuesday in his bar was just "out of this world." According to Hayes, there was a sea of American flags floating high above people's heads every time Obama's name was even mentioned on the television.

The small village was bombarded by media from around the world who camped outside Ollie's in the village to capture the Irish smiles and celebrations as it was becoming apparent that Offaly's long lost son was soon be king of the world.

"We had such a great night of celebrations and sure we're still celebrating," said Hayes.

Gerry Corrigan, member of Hardy Drew and the Nancy Boys, who wrote the popular song "There's No One As Irish As Barack O'Bama," told the Irish Voice that the atmosphere in Moneygall last Tuesday evening was sparking with electricity.

"Everyone was just so excited," said Corrigan, comparing the buzz to that of a Munster sports final game."People were glued to the television and when results started coming in people were shouting and some even crying."

Corrigan, who performed the song with his brothers Brian and Donny at Ollie's on Tuesday and then some, said they got the most amazing applause when they sang their newest song, "When President Obama Comes Home to Moneygall."

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Nster.com