Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny came bearing a gift for his VIP guest on Monday – a hurling stick. 

President Obama liked that the gift could serve another purpose – keeping recalcitrant members of Congress in line.

Showing off the hurley for the world’s media, Obama joked, "If members of Congress aren't behaving, I'll give them a little pat, a little hurl.”  Republicans be warned!

The Obamas also received a book of children’s stories written by a professor at Trinity College, Padraig Colum, who centered his tales on the myths and legends of Hawaii.

"He produced three volumes of children's stories, which I presented -- and I had the honor of a first edition -- not to the president, not to the first lady, but to his children, Malia and Sasha, stories of their daddy's birthplace. And I hope they enjoyed it,” Kenny said.

"Well this is an extraordinary gift and it just confirms that if you need someone to do some good writing, hire an Irishman,” Obama said.

The president also purchased some pottery in Moneygall for his mother-in-law, and the first lady picked up some souvenirs for her daughters there as well.