Excitement in Ruby Ellen's Team Rooms in Carlingford ahead of Biden visit

Excitement is building at Ruby Ellen's Tea Rooms in Carlingford, ahead of an expected visit later today from US President Joe Biden, with the local eaterie very hopeful that President will be stopping for something to eat during the visit.

The Dundalk Democrat spoke to Shauna Lavery this morning, one of the staff members at Ruby Ellen's Tea Rooms, who said that everyone is very excited ahead of the visit, with the place being decorated with American flags. 

"The staff haven't slept at all preparing the place for him coming, making sure its spotless", Shauna revealed, "our baker Marie, who bakes all our cakes, has baked him a cake personally of the American flag. Our boss Donna has been interviewed Ireland AM this morning, her dad Peter, is currently being interviewed by CNN as we speak."

Shauna added that a US flag, one that has been signed by 14 past presidents and that has been in the possession of a local family for generation, is currently in the tea rooms, with the family hoping that President Biden with be the fifteenth to sign it. 

Shauna also revealed that they had an idea that the President might be calling towards last weekend. She explained that she was in college in Dublin and currently on placement but was determined to be in Carlingford for the visit. The excitement in Carlingford "is electric, its something else", she added.

Security locally has been ramped up significantly for the visit. Shauna said that her home is two fields away from Cill Mhuire Church, where President Biden visited during his last visit. "We actually saw what looked like, at least, 50 pairs of these men in black suits with sniffer dogs walking around all through the fields."

Excitement ahead of the visit is the biggest emotion in Carlingford today. Shauna added that it was quiet in the village this morning but no doubt it would soon be getting very busy very shortly as the President and his entourage arrives.