The late Dan Rooney and his Irish roots

JUST deceased former US Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney had strong west of Ireland family connections.

His wife, Patricia, is from Cloontia, on the Mayo/Sligo border, near Ballaghaderreen.

In 2012, the couple visited Dernabruck National School, Cloontia, where Patricia got her early education.

She expressed delight at the warm reception she received from pupils and parents on her return there.

The ambassador and his wife later attended a ceremony in Ballaghaderreen at the initiative of local firefighters.

The heroism and sacrifice of the firefighters and police officers who died in the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York was recalled.

Mr. Rooney unveiled a simple memorial, the only one of its kind in Ireland, at the town’s fire station. It comprises a traditional Irish stone wall and a flagged path.

Dan Rooney, a long-time owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers American football team, died this week aged 84.

A personal friend of former President Barack Obama, his Irish ancestry stemmed from the fact his grandfather emigrated from Newry, Co. Down, in the 1800s.