Irish signatures are on our founding documents; Irish blood has been spilled on our battlefields; Irish sweat went into building our greatest cities

US President Barack Obama praises Ireland's contribution to US history during his St Patricks Day meeting with Brian Cowen at the White House

Is féidir linn. All right. I got that. Yes, we can

President Obama tries his hand at Irish

He hails from Co Offaly and it was brought to my attention on the campaign that my great-great-great grandfather on my mother's side came to America from a small village in Co Offaly, as well. We are still speculating on whether we are related

Obama jokes about his Irish heritage

President Obama said he looks forward to coming to Offaly – the only thing I can say to him is that he is not going to share a slate with me – I cannot compete with this man, even in Offaly

Taoiseach Brian Cowen jokes that his formidable electoral machine would struggle to match Obama's

The fire was so intense. We saw one of them in the box room window screaming and trying to get out but there was nothing we could do for him

Alan Fitzpatrick, a neighbour of James, Tony and Martin McDonagh who died in a fire at their home in Drogheda last Monday

She was one of a kind, a magical actress. It defies belief that this gifted, brave, wonderful woman is gone

Producer Sam Mendes praises actress Natasha Richardson, wife of Liam Neeson, who died after a skiing accident in Canada last Monday