Joe Biden to be presented with evidence of Donegal ancestry

Joe Biden will be presented with evidence of is ancestral links to Donegal.

Biden, the 46th President of the United States, is in Ireland on a four-day trip to mark the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Biden traces his roots to the Blewitt family from Mayo and the Finnegans from Louth and will spend time in both counties during a whistle stop visit.

The Irish Family History Centre have uncovered further information about Biden's Irish lineage and will present their research to the President.

Biden's great-great-granduncle, Anthony Scanlon Jr was born in Killybegs. It is believed that he was born in a coast guard house.

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“The President's ancestors were very important people in Donegal,” said Kayleigh Bealin, the Research Manager with the Irish Family History Centre, who Biden commissioned to undertake research while he was Vice President.

“It is a very strong connection. The family were there for a number of years before emigrating to the US.”

Biden has previously spoken of how he treasures his Irish roots, saying: “I take pride in my Irish ancestry. It is a part of my soul.”

Anthony Scanlon Jr was a brother of Catherine Scanlon Blewitt and he died in 1904. Kayleigh Bealin Research Manager

Anthony Scanlon Sr was a coast guard and was stationed in Killybegs at the time of his son's birth.

Biden's great-great-grandparents, Catherine Scanlon and Patrick Blewitt, got married in 1859.

Ms Bealin said: “He genuinely loves his Irish identity."