AHEAD of a trade mission to the US later this year, Newry Chamber of Commerce has presented yew trees to officials to mark President Joe Biden’s visit to Ireland and to thank its administration for its continued interest in the north.
The Chamber's chief executive Tony McKeown - himself a USA citizen having been born in San Francisco in 1975 - attended a breakfast with other business groups at the Belfast home of US Consul General Paul Narain.
The event was held to welcome Joseph Kennedy III, the north's recently-appointed special envoy for economic affairs.
Mr McKeown said: “Newry is one of the most historic places in Ireland. Its Irish name is Iúr Cinn Trá, which translates as 'yew tree at the head of the strand', which relates to an apocryphal story that Saint Patrick planted a tree here in the fifth century.
“I gave one yew tree to Paul Narain to plant at his home and asked Joe Kennedy to plant the other tree when he visits Newry.”
He added “This is a hugely exciting time for Newry. Joe Biden made clear his commitment to Ireland, north and south, and as an organisation which works with its members to help them grow their businesses, encourage exports and bring inward investment, this is great news.”
Indeed President Biden’s family has a clear link to Newry, with the ship his great great grandfather Owen Finnegan left Ireland in 1849 being built on the middle bank in Newry.
Research conducted by local historians also shows that Mr Finnegan purchased his ticket to America from the offices of the ship’s owner Francis Carvill, located where the Canal Court Hotel & Spa stands today.
Mr McKeown said: “The Brothers’ Tall Ship, as it was named, departed on April 10 and arrived just over six weeks later on May 31. Today it takes less than six hours to get to New York by plane - that's some progress in 175 years.
He added: “Our members look forward to travelling to the USA later this year to explore trade opportunities and seek prosperity like our ancestors did.”
