John Boehner Cries While Listening To Traditional Irish Music During St. Patrick's Day Luncheon

Boehner Tears Up While Listening To Irish Music

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) shed a few tears while listening to traditional Irish music during a luncheon with the Irish Prime Minister.

Boehner cried while sitting next to Obama at the the Friends of Ireland Luncheon. The event honored Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny and was a late celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

Tenor David O'Leary sang at the luncheon, which took place in the Capitol's Rayburn Room. Boehner spoke on the Irish tradition of hospitality during the event.

"Listening, finding a common bond, and giving more than we receive," Boehner said. "That's true hospitality. This is what the Irish have done so well, and for so long."

Boehner also noted that this year's luncheon honored the 100th birthday of former House Speaker Tip O'Neill.

"[O'Neill] co-founded the Friends of Ireland to support the Irish people when peace and unity were still elusive," Boehner said. "Tip was so devoted to the Irish he once mused about becoming ambassador to the Emerald Isle. To this, President Reagan responded, 'Tip, the Irish aren't looking for speakers, they're looking for listeners.'"

Before You Go

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot