The baby who met Barack Obama: Cork student to catch up with former US President

For many, the chance to meet a President of the United States is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but for one Cork teenager, former US President Barack Obama’s visit to Ireland is simply an opportunity for a catch up.

Fourteen-year-old Jamie Nolan from Bandon first met Mr Obama while the former President visited his ancestral home in Moneygall, County Offaly in 2011.

At just five weeks old, baby Jamie was photographed being plucked from the crowd by Obama as fans lined the Main Street of Moneygall, and will now reunite with him following an invite to attend his event in Dublin.

The former US President is visiting the capital this week for a sold-out event at the 3Arena, An Evening with President Barack Obama, In Conversation with Fintan O’Toole which takes place on this evening.

Mr Obama was also granted the freedom of the city of Dublin on Thursday.

Whilst in the country, Cork student Jamie was invited to meet with Mr Obama and attend the 3Arena show when his father, Brian, got in touch with Mr Obama’s team.

“Moneygall is my dad’s hometown, and when [President Obama] came to Ireland, all the residents of the village were given a ticket. We were on the street and Obama walked past and dad quite literally just threw me out to him,” Jamie explained.

“Obama didn’t really have a choice but to take me. 

“So, while he was holding me, Charlie Bird walked past the crowd started chanting for Charlie. Obama’s secret service had turned then to see what all the noise was about over Charlie Bird, but when they turned back there was an awful panic when they say Obama on the ground, bending down.” 

Thankfully, the security team were quickly pacified as the reason for Mr Obama’s bending down was to return a soother that a young Jamie had dropped in all the excitement.

Handing it back to his parents, Mr Obama reminded them to give the pacifier a clean before letting their son use it again.

Jamie is most looking forward to surprising Mr Obama with his full name, as the Bandon teen was christened James John Barack Nolan, a fact he admitted to bringing up in conversation once or twice over the years.

Jamie, who is a gifted musician, having won first place in the 12-15 Men’s Singing Category of this years Fleadh Cheoil and who regularly shares his music on social media @jamienolanmusic, wishes that he could have played a song for his namesake, however with Mr Obama’s tight schedule he instead gifted the former president with a pen made by Jamie’s grandmother.

The pen is crafted from bog oak from just outside Moneygall.

Jamie has said that he is open to reuniting with his namesake again in the States if the offer presents itself.