The White House is still deciding which Dublin venue they will hold an outdoor rally in for the president on the evening of May 23.
Croke Park has now been ruled out but other venues, such as O’Connell Street in Dublin, College Green and a military location sch as Cathal Brugha Barracks are also under consideration, the latter because it would be security proof.
Originally Croke Park was to be the venue for the outdoor rally but fears that the stadium would not be filled on a Monday night and the need for an identifiably Irish backdrop have ruled it out .
The trip will also feature the President paying tribute to one of his historical heroes, Daniel O'Connell. Obama has commended O'Connell on numerous occasions, comparing him to former American President Abraham Lincoln as a liberator of an oppressed people and society.
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One government source quoted added that the American perception of Dublin and its famous street could be something the President wants to capitalize on as he embarks on his tour of Ireland and Britain: "He wanted to do a public event and the Americans like the idea of O'Connell Street as the symbolic heart of Ireland."
The President's much anticipated trip has been subject to various changes over the past couple of weeks and whatever the final plans of Obama's trip are, he will undoubtedly draw a massive crowd to his rally ‒ just as his idol O'Connell did centuries before him.
However, no final decision has been made yet with many others pushing for College Green or a military installation where security could be guaranteed.
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