The Governor of New York has been honoured with a civic reception at her ancestral homeplace in Co Kerry.
Kathy Hochul was recognised for her achievements in public life by Kerry County Council on the Maharees, the coastal community where her paternal grandparents were born and reared.
Ms Hochul, who is New York's first female governor, was received by Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Jim Finucane, with Minister for Education Norma Foley representing the Government and Kerry Council CEO Moira Murrell also in attendance.
The homely event was held in Spillane’s Pub on the northern tip of the Maharees peninsula, within a stone’s throw of her paternal grandparents’ homesteads.
Both John Courtney and Mary Browne grew up in Maharees before emigrating to America in 1919, where they married.
The gathering was attended by scores of relatives from the tight-knit coastal community.
'Remarkable story'
Breda Courtney whose father was Ms Hochul’s grandfather’s brother was amongst a large gathering of relatives who packed in to the seaside pub. She said it was an extremely proud day for all the extended family.
She said: "It’s a remarkable story and one we’re are all so proud of her. It’s a wonderful occasion for the Courtneys and everyone on the Maharees.
"Jack (John) Courtney knew Mary Brown before he emigrated. He went to Chicago and they met again there and married. They went to Buffalo then as there were opportunities in the steelworks. He was working on a farm before then."
Addressing Governor Hochul, Mr Finucane said her life-story was a remarkable one and symbolic of the 'courage and determination of Irish emigrants to America through the generations.’
"Your achievements in public life, your experience in local government, your membership of Congress, the fact that you are the first female governor of the great state of New York, that is your particular story but it’s an Irish story. " he said.
Speaking after the event Ms Hochul said it was an emotional occasion for her and her family.
"There’s always been a close connection between the family here and the family back in the United States. We made sure we kept those ties strong. I’m very proud. It’s an emotional journey. To be recognised by the leaders of community here is a very special honour," she said.
Protestors against the war in Gaza gathered outside the event.
They said they were there to voice their opposition to US support of Israel in the war, but also to express anger at controversial comments made by Ms Hochul about the war.
Speaking at a gathering of Jewish philanthropists in New York in February, Ms Hochul expressed her support for Israel in "defending itself."
However, the Democratic governor also appeared to imply Israel has a right to destroy Gaza in response to the 7 October attacks by Hamas.
She said, "If Canada someday ever attacked Buffalo, I'm sorry, my friends; there would be no Canada the next day."
Hochul has since apologised, saying it was a poor choice of words.
Oscar Donnegan, one of the protestors gathered outside the civic reception in west Kerry today said that it was inappropriate to honour "an American politician who supports a genocide in Gaza."
"America is funding the war in Gaza , and politicians like Kathy Hochul are supporting genocide in Gaza. They are facilitating the war and it’s not good enough."
"We must fight for the lives of people, we must fight for equality for the Palestinians, and this governor is someone who has power and influence." he added.
Responding to a question about the growing death toll in Gaza Governor Hochul once again defended her support for Israel.
"Individuals have a right to protect their homeland and I still stand by those remarks. Individuals who are attacked just like here in Ireland, the Irish have already stood up for their rights."
"I’ve been very clearwith my position. We don’t want to have any loss of innocent life. We want to get aid in to everyone who needs it. We want to stop a famine."
Ms Hochul arrived in Kerry yesterday and is set to give a keynote address at a two-day Global Economic Summit which opens in Killarney tomorrow.
