president obama and his entourage then traveled by motorcade the 87 miles to moneygall, to visit a distantative of five generations ago, his great, great, great- grandfather. his name was -- kearny. in moneygall, obama tried his own hand at rhythms, coupled are three words of authentic gaelic. >> remember that whatever hardships the winter may bring, springtime is always just around the corner. if they they keep arguing with you, just respond with the simple creed -- yes, we can! >> question, will were there compelling reasons for the state visit to the irish people? or was this mostly a campaign event, pat? >> look, i think it was terrific. the irish are one of few people on this earth that really like americans. he goes over there, he's got ancestors there, jack kennedy it did it, other presidents have gone there. it's a terrific thing. ireland has some problems, as you know. it's one of the countries that has some real debt problems. i think it's terrific and it's a good way to begin the trip, and i think it's a very question to ask that in such a harsh way. >> i'm irish. you know. >> y