Offaly man plays key role during President Biden's visit to Ireland

AN Offaly army man filled a key position during last week's visit to Ireland by President Joe Biden.

Clara man, Commandant Rory O'Reilly was aide-de-camp to the president during the state banquet at Dublin Castle.

Rory was at Mr Biden's side throughout the night. He stood behind him as he sat at the table should the president need anything.

Rory's sister Richella Scally, said the family had no idea that her brother was performing such an important role. ''He texted us to tell us to watch out for him, but didn't say what he was doing. He is very quiet and would never tell us. The President thanked Rory for his service during his speech, said Richella.

Rory O'Reilly joined the army when he left school and has worked his way up to Commandant. He did his degree in America and has since travelled all over the world.

He was accompanied at the banquet by his colleague Commandant Claire Mortimer who is aide-de camp to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for the occasion.