Ireland prepares to welcome Biden, while keeping an eye on the health of Jimmy ... trends now
Everyone has seen the helicopters. And all the locals in Carlingford, County Louth, seem to have a story about bumping into burly, suited Americans with earpieces running their eye over routes in and out of town.
On Wednesday the White House finally made it official, announcing that President Joe Biden will next week visit Louth, the Irish county of one branch of his ancestors, leaving just one question for excited residents.
Will former President Jimmy Carter and the Pope survive the week so that Biden's happy homecoming is not overshadowed?
'It's been making headlines in Ireland here these past few days, the state of Jimmy Carter's health,' said Andrea McKevitt, a local councillor and distant Biden relation.
'It's really unfortunate and I think everyone in Louth and Ballina are hoping he makes it to next weekend.'
Ireland is holding its collective breath over the health of 98-year-old former President Jimmy Carter, for fear that his death could upend President Joe Biden's trip next week. At least Pope Francis is out of the woods after being hospitalized with bronchitis
Eamonn Thornton is a distant relative of Biden and is known for his van, emblazoned with messages of support for the president. He said Co. Louth is abuzz with excitement
Biden is due to fly into Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday. From there he will make his way to Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland.
Part of the trip will include visits to Louth on the east coast and to Ballina, in County Mayo, on the west, from where the two Irish parts of the Biden family left for America in the nineteenth century.
But this week rumors swirled that it could all be cancelled if Biden had to give the eulogy at a funeral for Carter, whose office recently announced he was receiving hospice care.
His health has become a major talking point for everyone. People bring it up in conversation without prompting.
'At least the Pope has made a recovery,' said John at Dublin airport's car rental desk, referring to Francis' bout of bronchitis. 'Miraculous you might say.'
National broadcaster RTE ran a radio segment discussing the 98-year-old former president's health.
For now Biden's itinerary remains a secret. Or simply undecided. Leaving people in Carlingford and the tiny seaside village of Whitestown, where Biden's great-great grandfather Owen Finnegan once lived, desperate to know whether he will return to Lily Finnegan's pub, which he visited as vice president in
