The US Ambassador to Ireland Daniel Rooney has resigned.
He was sworn in back in July 2009 and is well-known here as one of the founders of the American Ireland Funds which is dedicated to building bridges of peace and culture both here and in the North.
His family is originally from Newry in Co. Down and he has also been a regular visitor here for most of his life.
He leaves the post after three and a half years.
Speculation on replacement
Rooney was born in Pittsburgh and is the oldest of 5 sons.
He is a 1950 graduate of North Catholic High School where he quarterbacked the varsity football team.
He went on to graduate from Duquesne University in 1955 with a bachelor of arts degree in accounting.
There is already speculation as to who will replace Mr. Rooney.
On a recent visit to Dublin the US-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declined to comment on speculation her husband - former President Bill Clinton - could be appointed as the next ambassador to Ireland.
An embassy spokesman told Newstalk that the decision to resign is normal ahead of the inauguration of a US President and that Mr. Rooney has returned to Pittsburgh today.
