US president Joe Biden called the Irish rugby team to congratulate them on Saturday's victory over the All Blacks.
Biden made the call along with his brother Jim and sister Val. The Bidens are cousins of Irish internationals Rob and Dave Kearney. The Bidens's great-great-great grandfather was born in Mayo before he emigrated to Pennsylvania.
"How in the hell did you do it without the Kearney brothers? They're our cousins," Jim Biden said on the call.
Joe Biden calls Ireland rugby team after All Blacks win
Joe Biden and family congratulate the Ireland rugby team!#IRLvNZL pic.twitter.com/LqnS6x2OC9
— JJ Bowles (Limerick's Oldest Pub) (@jjbowlespub) November 14, 2021
A White House spokesperson confirmed that Biden made the call, and that he had written to the team on Friday to wish them luck. He also rang Taoiseach Micheál Martin to congratulate him about the win.
"We're really proud of you guys," Biden said.
"By the way, When I was down in New Zealand, not long ago, I was bragging about you guys. They almost didn't let me off the island!
"Congratulations, fellas. We are gigantic fans. The three of us, when we were in law school and college, we played rugby, but never like you guys.
"Don't pretend that you don't know me when I show up!"
A voice on the call suggested that Biden invite the team to the White House. "I could work that out," Biden said in response.
The letter which Biden wrote to the team read:
"Dear Team Ireland, I wanted to send you my best wishes as you face the New Zealand All Blacks tomorrow.
"I was thrilled to congratulate the entire team, especially my cousin Rob Kearney, back in 2016 when you first beat the All Blacks in Chicago - a historic moment in Irish rugby. Since then you have beaten the All Blacks in 2018 and I know you can do it again this year. Your fans in Aviva stadium, throughout Ireland, will be rooting you on to another victory.
"As the Irish blessing says, 'Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you'.
"My grandfather, Ambrose Finnegan, would always say, 'Keep the faith', and then my grandmother Blewitt would add, 'No, spread it'. So, go spread the faith. I'll be cheering for you."
The other side of the conversation.
Magic! pic.twitter.com/rrpVUQCD9C— JJ Bowles (Limerick's Oldest Pub) (@jjbowlespub) November 14, 2021
Picture credit: Sportsfile
See Also: The New Zealand Media Reaction To Ireland's Victory Over The All Blacks
