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The CEO of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade has certainly had an interesting few days, mingling with President Joe Biden, Joe Kennedy III, the U.S. Consul and other US officials during their four day visit to Ireland. Tony McKeown is an American citizen courtesy of having been born in San Francisco. He attended the Presidents visit to University of Ulster, Belfast on behalf of the Chamber and even managed a handshake from the US leader. He also took part in a breakfast briefing this morning with Joe Kennedy III, U.S. Special Envoy for Northern Ireland and Paul Narain, U.S. Consul General where he presenting a yew tree to them both. He has invited Mr Kennedy to come to Newry to plant the tree in the near future.
Mr McKeown said "I was delighted to present 'Yew Trees' this morning to U.S. Officials, Joe Kennedy III and Paul Narain in Belfast to mark the historic visit to our shores by US President, Joe Biden.
"I attended the breakfast briefing on behalf of Newry Chamber with other business groups which took place in Belfast at the residence of Paul Narain, US Consul General in Belfast.
"Newry is one of the most historic places in Ireland. The Irish name is, Iúr Cinn Trá, which translates as 'yew tree at the head of the strand'."
The Chamber CEO added "This relates to an apocryphal story that Saint Patrick planted a yew tree here in the 5th century. I gave one yew tree to Paul Narain to plant at the Consulate resident and asked Joe Kennedy III to plant the other yew tree when he visits Newry in the near future.
"This is a hugely exciting time for the Greater Newry Area. Joe Biden made clear his commitment to Ireland, North and South. As an organisation who works with our members to help them grow their business, encourage exports and bring investment to our region, this is great news."
Joe Biden's family have a clear link to Newry with 'The Brothers' the ship his great great grandfather, Owen Finnegan left Ireland on in 1849 being built on the middle bank in Newry and his great grandfather James sailing from the Port of Newry on the Marchioness of Bute as a seven year old in 1850.
