A nephew of John F Kennedy has said that something special happened to his uncle during his four-day visit to Ireland in 1963.
Douglas Kennedy was speaking at an event in Eyre Square in Galway this afternoon to mark the 50th anniversary of the late president's visit to the city.
Mr Kennedy, the youngest son of Senator Bobby Kennedy, said he had always been told about the visit when he was growing up.
He said that his uncle came to know a part of himself during his time in Ireland and that the short trip amounted to the happiest four days of his life.
Mr Kennedy was accompanied on his visit by his wife Molly and their five children.
His hastily arranged trip to the west came after a series of events at other locations in recent days to mark the anniversary of JFK's visit.
In her final public engagement before her term of office ends this evening, Mayor Terry O'Flaherty welcomed Mr Kennedy to the city.
She said the presence of the US President in Galway in 1963 "changed our lives forever".
Mayor O'Flaherty said the inspiration of his short life must never be underestimated and that JFK's time in Galway was "one of the great moments of the swinging 60s".
The mayor laid a commemorative wreath at a monument erected to mark the visit on 29 June 1963.
The mayor and Mr Kennedy were joined on the podium by Breda Ryan, wife of the late Paddy Ryan, who was mayor of Galway during the visit.
Photographer Stan Shields, who captured the 1963 visit on film, was also present to record the anniversary celebrations this afternoon.
Mr Kennedy and his family enjoyed their time in Galway so much that they decided to stay another night.
