US President Joe Biden has backed Mayo for Sam during his final speech here.
President Biden addressed a crowd of thousands at St Muredach's Cathedral on the banks of the River Moy on Friday night.
During his speech he talked about coming back to his ancestral home, and the common ties that unite Ireland and the United States.
US President Joe Biden addressing crowds from outside St Muredach's Cathedral in Ballina, Co Mayo. Picture by: The White HouseHe also praised the town for being home to former President Mary Robinson, and "maybe" Ireland's first female astronaut Norah Patten.
President Biden also thanked Irish families for their "incredible generosity" in taking in Ukrainian refugees.
"I've never been more optimistic of what we can achieve if we stick together and stick to our values," he said.
"This is a time of enormous possibilities.
"United by history, heritage and hope - and maybe most of all by courage - nothing is beyond our reach".
Crowds listen as US President Joe Biden speaks from outside St Muredach's Cathedral in Ballina, Co Mayo. Picture by: The White HouseIn his closing remarks, President Biden said: "May God protect all those who serve the cause of peace.
"And oh, one more thing: Mayo for Sam - Mayo for Sam!" he exclaimed.
Happening Now: President Biden delivers remarks to the people of County Mayo at St. Muredach’s Cathedral. https://t.co/CgqvGOvkuy
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 14, 2023
President Biden will return to Dublin Airport before departing for the United States.
Friday was the final full day of his four-day trip to Ireland.
Earlier he visited the Knock Shrine and had a chance meeting with Fr Frank O'Grady - the priest who performed the last rites on his late son, Beau Biden.
US President Joe Biden visiting Knock Shrine and Basilica in Co Mayo with Fr Richard Gibbons. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy Stock PhotoFr Richard Gibbons, who showed President Biden around the shrine, said it was "quite an emotional day."
"It just so happened that we had a priest here who prayed with Beau before he died," Fr Gibbons explained.
"We came down to a seat and we knelt, and prayed a decade of the rosary together.
"Then I left him be; I said, 'Mr President, I'm going to leave you for a few moments of self-reflection' - and he said, 'Yeah I'd like that'.
"He was quite emotional at that point too. You can see it meant an awful lot to him," he added.
A man stops to read a plaque below a mural of Joe Biden in his ancestral home of Ballina, Co Mayo in November 2020. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy Stock PhotoPresident Biden was also given a brick from the home of his ancestors.
President Biden's great-great-great grandfather, Edward Blewitt, left Ballina for the US during the Great Famine.
President Biden spoke with Ernie Caffrey and his daughter Miriam, whose family owns a shop on the site of the former Blewitt family home.
Mr Caffrey presented the US President with a brick from the house, enclosed in a case.
