Obama cousin Henry Healy to attend Democratic nominating convention

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama’s Irish cousin, Henry Healy, is to attend the Democratic nominating convention next week in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Moneygall native secured a ticket after being invited to attend the Irish-American Democrats convention party next Wednesday. He said he will fly out this morning and back next Saturday, travelling at his own expense.

“I’m excited because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity afforded to me to see President Obama accept the nomination.

“It’ll be an electrifying part of the re-election campaign, to be there to witness and absorb the atmosphere,” Mr Healy said.

Mr Healy, who welcomed the Obamas to the Offaly town in May last year, recently took up a new job helping people trace ancestors. He has deferred a teaching course for a year.