One of Ourselves: John Fitzgerald Kennedy in Ireland

This is a day-by-day, hour-by-hour account of President Kennedy's visit to Ireland in late June 1963:  the places he visited; the people he met – political and cultural luminaries and average Irish citizens alike; the throngs who lined the roads to catch a glimpse of him or gathered to hear him speak; and the events that crowded his schedule.

Exhaustively researched from written and oral sources, the book tells a memorable tale of the president's ”homecoming” to a people and land long etched in his heart and at last on the verge of taking their place in the modern world's politics and economy.

This fascinating and faithful account of President Kennedy's 3 1/2 day visit to Ireland in late June 1963 provides yet another window into the Kennedy legacy, creating a complex portrait of the man and the presidency. Exhaustively researched, the book and photos tell a memorable tale of the president's "homecoming" to a people and land long etched in his heart. It is a day-by-day, hour-by-hour look at the places JFK visited; the people he met; the throngs who lined the roads to catch a glimpse of him or gathered to hear him speak; and the events that crowded his schedule. He touched a nation, and it touched him to reveal more of the private and spontaneous JFK than ever before seen in public. 44 historical photos; genealogical appendix; extensive chapter notes and index.

Steven Thomma

"This is a splendid book ... Rich in detail, it is informed by the people who were there, both Irish and American, and artfully told by a writer with a keen understanding of the man, the moment in history, and the place."