Pool Reports of April 14, 2023

Travel Pool Report #1 - Rolling

Good morning. The president's motorcade left the Conrad Dublin at 12:25 PM on a sunny afternoon.

Pool did not see POTUS enter his vehicle.

Travel Pool Report #2 - Dublin Airport

The president's motorcade arrived at Dublin International Airport at 1:09 PM. People lined some streets along the way holding up phones and waving.

POTUS boarded the plane at 1:12 PM with Hunter Biden and Valerie Biden Owens.

The president is now flying to County Mayo. We are in the small Air Force One so will not have service once we board.

We will be wheels up shortly.

Material from the White House below on travelers and the president's ancestry:

Traveling with the President via motorcade en route to Dublin International Airport:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Mike Donilon, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Jon Finer, Assistant to the President & Principal Deputy National Security Advisor
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Director of Communications
Rob Flaherty, Assistant to the President & Director of Digital Strategy
Rufus Gifford, Chief of Protocol of the United States
Ryan Montoya, Deputy Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ashley Williams, Special Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations
Carlyn Reichel, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for Speechwriting & Strategic Initiatives
Charlie Fromstein, NSC Director for Visits & Diplomatic Affairs
Ben Canavan, NSC Director for European Affairs

The President is traveling to County Mayo, Ireland.

A primer on President Biden's ancestors from County Mayo:

1. Patrick Blewitt and Catherine Scanlon – (President Biden's Great-Great-Grandparents)
   
   1. Patrick was born on April 5th, 1832 in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland.
   2. Patrick was educated in Ireland and was well versed in civil engineering and surveying.
   3. In 1857 he married Catherine Scanlon, who was born around 1840 in Ireland (county unknown).
   4. Catherine was the daughter of Anthony and Honora Scanlon who was stationed in Killala Bay, County Mayo.
2. Edward Blewitt / Bluet and Mary Mulderg "Reddington" (President Biden's Great-Great-Great-Grandparents)
   
   1. Edward Blewitt was born around 1803 in Ireland and resided in County Mayo.
   2. By 1848 Edward served as the head overseer in the Ballina Poor Law Union.
   3. The Ballina Dispensary is the only part of the workhouse complex that is still standing.
   4. Edward and his wife Mary immigrated to the United States on the Excelsior in January of 1851 (they landed in New York).
   5. Upon his arrival in Pennsylvania, he assisted in the planning and layout of the city of Scranton, the sister city to Ballina, County Mayo.
3. Present-day relatives in Ballina
   
   1. The President has several distant family members who live in Ballina, including Brendan Blewitt, and his children Joe, Laurita, the President's third cousins. Brendan's daughter Catherina now lives stateside.
   2. When the 2020 election was called for President Biden, people in Ballina - including the President's cousins -celebrated his win, with American flags, posters, and more.

Travel Pool Report # 3 - County Mayo

Air Force One was wheels down at Ireland West Airport Knock at 2:08 PM. It was wheels up from Dublin at 1:26 PM.

POTUS got off the plane at 2:21 PM. He was followed by Hunter Biden and Valerie Biden Owens. On the tarmac, POTUS greeted a number of officials but pool could not hear the conversations.

POTUS did not respond to shouted questions. He entered the Beast at 2:26 PM

At 2:30 PM we are rolling.

From the White House:

Greeting the President upon arrival at Ireland West Airport Knock:

H.E. Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States
Paul Kavanagh, Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs
Eamon Ryan, Minister of Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister of Transport
Dara Calleary, Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment
Alan Dillon, Member of Dáil Éireann, County Mayo
Michael Ring, Member of Dáil Éireann, County Mayo
Rose Conway Walsh, Member of Dáil Éireann, County Mayo
Seamus Weir, Cathaoirleach for Mayo, Mayo County Council
Arthur French, Chairperson, Ireland West Airport Knock

The airport was advocated for by Monsignor James Horan, who is buried at the Sanctuary of Our Lady Knock. When Knock Airport opened 1985, the first commercial flight was to Rome.

Traveling with the President aboard Air Force One en route to Ireland West Airport Knock:

Claire D. Cronin, Ambassador of the United States to Ireland
Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Mike Donilon, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Jon Finer, Assistant to the President & Principal Deputy National Security Advisor
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Director of Communications
Ryan Montoya, Deputy Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ashley Williams, Special Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations

Travel Pool Report #4 - Knock Shrine

The motorcade arrived at the Sanctuary of our Lady of Knock at 2:49 PM.

Crowds of people were gathered along the road to watch the motorcade go by, some waving Irish and American flags. There was a huge gathering near the entrance. "Welcome Home Joe," read one sign.

POTUS entered the Knock Basilica at 2:55 PM. It has a large mosaic depicting the apparition. He spoke to some officials, but pool could not hear. He then walked through the basilica with a priest who was pointing out details, including the Stations of the Cross, and the two looked up at the mosaic. At one point they laughed together.

At 3 PM pool was escorted out of the Basilica.

From the White House:

Greeting the President upon arrival at The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock:

Father Richard Gibbons, Parish Priest and Rector of The Sanctuary of Our Lady Knock
John Conroy, Manager of The Sanctuary of Our Lady Knock

Travel Pool Report #5 - leaving Knock Shrine

At 3:09 PM POTUS left the basilica and walked over to the nearby Apparition Chapel. It includes the original gable wall of the church that was here when the apparition was seen.

It briefly poured rain and POTUS wore a blue jacket and walked with a priest holding an umbrella. Hunter Biden and Valerie Biden Owens walked ahead of them.

POTUS stopped to touch the bricks of the wall and went inside.

Pool was moved back to vans and we did not see the rest of his movements. At 3:32 PM we are rolling again.

More details on the Knock Shrine from White House:

The President is touring The Sanctuary of Our Lady Knock ("Knock Shrine"). Participating in the tour is Father Richard Gibbons, Parish Priest and Rector of Knock Shrine. Knock Shrine is an international Eucharistic and Marian Shrine and a popular place of Catholic pilgrimage. The Shrine has hosted numerous Catholic leaders, including St. Pope John Paul II in 1979, St. Mother Teresa in 1993, and Pope Francis in 2018. In 2021, Pope Francis recognized the site as an International Marian and Eucharistic Shrine.

Travel Pool Report #6- Hospice

The motorcade arrived at Mayo Roscommon Hospice at 4:31 PM. There were more people out at points along the way, waving as POTUS went by.

Huge crowds were assembled around the entrance.

POTUS exited his car at 4:34 PM and greeted several people outside the center, including distant cousin Laurita Blewitt. They spoke for several minutes and Hunter Biden and Valerie Owens Biden joined. Pool could not hear what was said.

In 2017 Mr. Biden came here for the groundbreaking and a plaque outside the center commemorates his late son Beau Biden.

POTUS walked with the group to look at the plaque before going inside. At 4:40 PM pool is holding.

From the White House:

The President is visiting Mayo Roscommon Hospice and Palliative Care Center. The President broke ground at its construction in 2017 and sent a video greeting to honor the occasion when it opened in November 2021. A plaque at the entrance to the hospice is dedicated to Beau Biden's memory.

The President will meet briefly with the Chief Executive of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation Martina Jennings, Blewitt relatives, and hospice board members and employees.

The President stays in close touch with the Blewitt family - who have also attended the White House Saint Patrick's Day receptions in 2022 and 2023 - including Laurita, who works with Mayo Roscommon Hospice Palliative Care Centre.

Greeting the President upon arrival:

Mike Smith, Chairman of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Laurita Blewitt, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation

Travel Pool Report #7 - leaving Hospice

The motorcade left the hospice at 5:16 PM.

From the White House:

Participating in a tour of Mayo Roscommon Hospice with the President:

Mike Smith, Chairman of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Laurita Blewitt, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Joe Brolly, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Dolores Burke, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Tom Connolly, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Paul Foxe, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Joanne Grehan, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Joanne Hynes, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Jarlath Jennings, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Michael Masterson, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Ann McGarry, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Oliver McGuinness, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Seamus Moran, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Frank Mulvihill, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Mary Nash, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Mary Smith, Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Mike Smith, Voluntary Board Member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
Employees of Mayo Roscommon Hospice
Members of the Blewitt family

Travel Pool Report #8 -Lifting

The motorcade drove to Atlantic Technological University Landing Zone.

Two of the press vans were separated from the motorcade just outside the hospice so we did not see when POTUS arrive or boarded Marine One.

At 5:24 PM we are lifting shortly

Travel Pool Report #9 - Heritage Center

Marine One landed at North Mayo Heritage Centre landing Zone at 6:01 PM.

POTUS exited at 6:04 PM and walked to a car. The motorcade began rolling at 6:08 PM and arrived at the center at x PM. More crowds of people were out cheering as he drove past.

The motorcade arrived at the center at 6:17 PM.

From the White House:

Traveling with the President aboard Marine One from Atlantic Technological University Landing Zone en route to North Mayo Heritage Centre Landing Zone:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations

Travel Pool Report #10 - Tour

POTUS entered a garden at the center at 6:44 PM. He was followed by Hunter Biden and Valerie Biden Owens.

Some musicians, including a harpist and a fiddle player, were playing Irish music nearby.

POTUS spoke with Ernie Caffrey and his daughter Miriam. Their family owns a store that is located at the cite of the former Blewitt family home in Ballina. He presented POTUS with a brick from the house enclosed in a case.

"It's a 200 year old brick" said POTUS as he read an inscription on the case. He added: "That's incredible."

POTUS then walked through an archway in a stone wall and along a path lined with trees. He continued to a driveway where a group of people were assembled by a sign with a painting of POtUs at a lectern in front of a cathedral. "President Ballina, Co. Mayo Ireland" it read.

POTUS shook hands with the group and looked at the painting as it started to rain. "Oh I was in your bar," he said to one man.

Joe Scarborough was near the group of reporters watching.

Pool was escorted to a hold at 7 pm.

Also: The White House confirms reports that while at the Knock Shrine, POTUS met with Friar Frank O'Grady, the priest who gave Beau Biden his last rights. Also POTUS was given a piece of the gable wall.

Travel Pool Report #11 - leaving Heritage center and lifting

The motorcade left the heritage center at 8:48 PM and returned to the North Mayo Heritage Center Landing Zone at 8:57 PM. Pool did not see POTUS.

Despite rain people were huddled under umbrellas to watch the motorcade go by.

We boarded helicopters at 9 PM. Lifting shortly

The White House confirms POTUS taped an interview with Joe Scarborough for a special on the Good Friday Agreement that will air on April 25.

More detail on the heritage center from the White House:

Greeting the President upon arrival at North Mayo Heritage and Genealogical Centre's Family History Research Unit:

Michael Loftus, Chairman of North Mayo Heritage Centre
Martina Burke, Manager of North Mayo Heritage Centre

The President is visiting North Mayo Heritage and Genealogical Centre's Family History Research Unit, where he will participate in a tour and receive a genealogy brief by Brendan Walsh, Head Researcher of North Mayo Heritage and Genealogical Centre. The North Mayo Heritage and Genealogical Centre's Family History Research Unit is the premier resource for genealogical research in north County Mayo, Ireland. The center has created a comprehensive database of all the major genealogical resources for North Mayo. There are over 1.2 million records in the database.

During the tour, President Biden will be presented with a brick from the fireplace of the Blewitt family homestead.

Walking Tour Participants
Terry Reilly, Ballina Historian and Author
Dr. Sinead McCoole, Historian and Curator of the Jackie Clarke Historical Collection

Tour Stop #1 (Brick Presentation)
Ernie Caffrey, Owner of Caffrey's Gallery
Miriam Caffrey, Daughter of Ernie Caffrey

Tour Stop #2 (Artists)
Patrick Mitchell
Leslie Lackey
Derek Leonard
Linda O'Hora
Martin Leonard
Willie Creighton
Ann Brogan
Paul Carrabine
Rachel Bennett
Philip McCafferty
Elaine Schneider
Martin Devanney
Eithne Leonard
Noel Thornton

Tour Stop #3 (Homeowners and Family)
Susan Kellet, Homeowner
DJ Kellett, Homeowner
Colette Kellett, Spouse of DJ Kellett
Phyllis Leneghan, Mother of Collette Kellett
Fearne Kellett, Daughter of DJ and Collette Kellett
Hilary Kellett, Daughter of DJ and Collette Kellett

Additional Visit Attendees
T.H. Claire Cronin, Ambassador of the United States to Ireland
H.E. Geraldine Byrne-Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America

Travel pool report #12 - Ballina

Marine One was wheels down at Saint Muredach's College Landing Zone at about 9:17 PM but pool was already in the vans and it was hard to see.

Motorcade was rolling for Saint Muredach's Cathedral at 9:24 PM. A reminder that POTUS' upcoming remarks will be on White House Live.

From the White House:

Traveling with the President aboard Marine One from North Mayo Heritage Centre Landing Zone en route to St. Muredach's College Landing Zone:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations

Travel pool report #13 - event

Motorcade arrived at Saint Muredach's Cathedral at 9:29 PM. People lined the streets and musicians was blaring.

Travel Pool Report #14 - Event color

A green stage has been erected in front of the gothic cathedral decorated with green white and orange bunting and flanked by American and Irish flags. A presidential podium is on stage.

The cathedral is on a river and crowds are on either side of the river frequently cheering. U2 is playing over the loudspeakers as they await the president. A packed group of people - adults and kids - are on risers on the stage behind the podium.

Reminder this will be carried on White House live.

Travel Pool Report #15 - Biden takes stage

White House says POTUS will take stage in about two minutes.

White House offers these details on the speech:

The President will deliver remarks to the people of County Mayo at Saint Muredach's Cathedral. Edward Blewitt (the President's great-great-great grandfather) sold 27,000 bricks to St. Muredach's Cathedral in 1828. The bricks were used to construct the 12 pillars which support the knave of the great cathedral. He was paid £21 and 12 shillings for 27,000 bricks - equivalent to about £20,000/ $25,000. Patrick Blewitt (the President's great-great-grandfather) was baptized at the cathedral on April 24th, 1832, and several of Edward Blewitt's daughters were baptized at the cathedral.

In attendance for the President's remarks:

H.E. Leo Varadkar T.D., Taoiseach of Ireland
H.E. Micheál Martin, Tánaiste of Ireland
Dara Cahleary, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation
Mark Duffy, Cathaoirleach for Ballina, Mayo County Council
Seamus Weir, Cathaoirleach for Mayo, Mayo County Council
T.H. Claire Cronin, Ambassador of the United States to Ireland
T.H. Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture
Senator Edward J. Markey (MA)
Rep. Katherine Clark (MA-5)
Rep. Richard Neal (MA-1)
Rep. Brian Higgins (NY-26)
Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-5)
Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-6)
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5)
Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18)
Senator Chris Dodd, Special Presidential Advisor to the Americas
Senator Gary Hart, Former Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
Mayor Paige Cognetti, Scranton, PA
T.H. Kevin O'Malley, Former Ambassador of the United States to Ireland
T.H. Nancy Soderberg, Former Alternate Representative to the United Nations and Former Deputy National Security Advisor
T.H. Mark Shriver, Former Member of the Maryland House of Delegates and President of Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School
Ms. Stella O'Leary, United States Observer to the International Fund for Ireland
Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland
Enda Kenny, Former Taoiseach of Ireland
Bertie Ahern, Former Taoiseach of Ireland
John Flemming, Bishop of Killala
Father Aidan O'Boyle, Ballina Parish Priest
Additional Local, County, and Federal elected officials
Residents of County Mayo and other surrounding counties

Pre-Program
Musical performance by "The Academic"
County Mayo's Men's and Women's Gaelic Football teams sing their anthems
Musical performance by "The Coronas"
Mary Robinson reads "The Emigrant Irish" by Eavan Boland
Musical performance by "The Chieftains"

Speaking Program
Mark Duffy, Cathaoirleach for Ballina, Mayo County Council
H.E. Leo Varadkar T.D., Taoiseach of Ireland
The President

Pool report #16 - speech ends

POTUS wrapped his remarks at 10:13 PM. U2's Beautiful Day blared and spotlights filled the sky as he exited to cheers.

The White House said the crowd size for the remarks was 27,000.

Pool is now holding in the vans.

Travel Pool Report #17 -Rolling

At 11:01 PM motorcade was rolling. Pool did not see POTUS enter his vehicle.

Also: The White House confirms that POTUS flew over the crowd in Marine One before his remarks.

Travel Pool report #19- Knock Airport - remarks

Marine One landed Ireland West Airport Knock at 11:34 PM. POTUS exited with Hunter a biden and Valerie bade farewell to a group of officials, including the Taoiseach.

Brief remarks. Excerpts here. Check against transcript.

On the leak related arrest:

He said he has asked to "Make sure they get to the root of why he had access in the first place"

On a 2024 Announcement

"I've already made that calculus. We'll announce it relatively soon."

Said he was anxious to get home.

We are back on the small Air Force One to Dublin. Wheels up soon.

From White House:

Greeting the President upon arrival at Ireland West Airport Knock Landing Zone:

H.E. Leo Varadkar T.D., Taoiseach of Ireland

AndD

Traveling with the President aboard Marine One from Saint Muredach's Cathedral Landing Zone en route to Ireland West Airport Knock Landing Zone:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations

Pool report #20 - better quotes

On the trip, he said he heard from people l:

"Thank you and a sense of optimism.

On the arrest in the leaking case:

"I've instructed the department to make sure they get to the root of why he had access in the first place, number one and number two to focus extensively on the extent to which it all occurred."

"I don't think it's going to take very long."

On 2024:

"I've already made that calculus. We'll announce it relatively soon. But the trip here just reinforced my sense of optimism about what can be done."

"I told you my plan is to run again."

Travel Pool Report #21 - Dublin Airport Departure

Air Force One landed in Dublin International Airport at 12:30 AM.

POTUS is transferring to the bigger Air Force One for the flight back to the U.S. He was driven from one plane to the other and boarded at 12:58 PM. He gave a thumbs up to the press on the way to the steps. At the top of the steps he paused and waved.

We will be wheels up for Dover, DE shortly.

From the White House:

Traveling with the President aboard Air Force One en route to Dover Air Force Base:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Mike Donilon, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Jon Finer, Assistant to the President & Principal Deputy National Security Advisor
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Director of Communications
Rob Flaherty, Assistant to the President & Director of Digital Strategy
Rufus Gifford, Chief of Protocol of the United States
Ryan Montoya, Deputy Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Curtis Ried, Deputy Assistant to the President & NSC Chief of Staff & Executive Secretary
John Kirby, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications
Ashley Williams, Special Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations
Travis Dredd, Special Assistant to the President & Trip Director
Carlyn Reichel, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for Speechwriting & Strategic Initiatives
Katie Fricchione, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff

Also:

Traveling with the President aboard Air Force One en route to Dublin International Airport:

Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff
Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations
Mike Donilon, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
Jon Finer, Assistant to the President & Principal Deputy National Security Advisor
Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary
Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Director of Communications
Ryan Montoya, Deputy Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance
Ashley Williams, Special Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations

Travel Pool Report #22 - Dover

Air Force One was wheels down at 2:26 AM at Dover Air Force Base.

POTUS exited AF1 at 2:42 AM, wearing jeans and a baseball cap. He was followed by Valerie Biden Owens and Hunter Biden and got into the motorcade. He departed at 2:47 AM.

Biden briefly spoke to the press on the tarmac. He thanked us for coming on the trip. A few bits. On if he got what he wanted done in Ireland he said "we have more to do in the north" and said he would continue to work with leaders. On the debt ceiling he said he wanted to see the Republican budget.

Please check transcript for better quotes.

NSC Spokesman John Kirby came back briefly OTR but otherwise there were no visitors to the press cabin.

Handing off to the supplemental pool. Big thanks to co-pooler Rob Crilly and the rest of the travel pool during a long day with Mayo Joe.

Have a good weekend.