Obama's visit to Ireland does in fact make genealogical sense.
His Irish-born ancestor,
his 3-greats grandfather Fulmoth Kearney
(died 1878,
many different spellings)
is actually his
most recent ancestor born outside America
on his mother's side.
So apart from Kenya (his father's side), Ireland would be his first stop outside America.
Queen Elizabeth II visits Republic of Ireland, May 2011
Unfortunately, they seem to be working from an old article, since they name-check
Daniel Boone, whose Royal Descent has since been disproved.
It is a shame, since there are so many other famous people
they could have mentioned.
About 5 million people watched this.
This is the short version.
In the extended version ("QI XL") there is
nothing extra on our section.
Ryan Tubridy
was shocked to discover he descends from
Edward III.
It may be some comfort to his Irish nationalist beliefs
to learn he also descends
(through Anne Mortimer)
from
Brian Boru.
Contrary to the program,
Rosanna Davison
does not descend from the half-brother of William the Conqueror.
However she does descend from
William the Conqueror
himself many times over.
In fact, she descends from Edward I.
