GRANDSON OF GALWAY EMIGRANTS IS NEW US CHIEF OF STAFF

Date Published: 26-Jan-2013

The grandson of Connemara emigrants has been appointed Chief of Staff in the White House by President Obama.

Denis McDonough, formerly Deputy National Security Advisor, now assumes one of the most influential positions in American politics.

The US President Obama appointed Denis to the position yesterday (Friday)

His grandparents we Connemara emigrants Willie McDonagh from Ard West, carna and his grandmother was Mary Wallace from Carraroe.

He is 43 and one of a family of 11. Denis McDonagh is described as a devout Catholic and two of his brothers are priests.

He has been a long time friend of President Obama and a highly trusted advisor to the US president for a number of years.