In September 1998, approximately 40,000 people showed up to catch a glimpse of the President of the United States Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton.
At a public event on 5th September on O’Connell Street, Bill Clinton was granted the Freedom of the City by the Mayor of Limerick, Joe Harrington. The couple arrived into Shannon airport on Air Force One, the day before 4th September. They travelled to Adare Manor where they spent the night in the Dunraven Suite before travelling to the city where President Clinton received the highest honour in the city.
During their visit, the President enjoyed a helicopter journey to Ballybunion golf course in Kerry, while Hillary visited other locations in County Clare.
The following three clips of President of the United States of America Bill Clinton’s visit to Limerick in September 1998 are via George Lee‘s YouTube channel. The clips include scenes from the crowd and a selection of adverts from that year.
Part 1 – Shows the crowd gathering and musicians playing as they wait for President Clinton to arrive at O’Connell Street.
Part 2 – Dignitaries begin to gather on the stage with President Clinton taking to the stage at three minutes.
Part 3 – President Clinton continues his speech and leaves through the crowd, shaking hands of those who waited in the rain. Final ten minutes show the President at Ballybunion golf course.
