Dundalk deli prepped by the secret service ahead of Biden visit

There was nothing impromptu about it.

We have been absolutely lapping up the coverage of US President Joe Biden's visit to Ireland, from the unfortunate "Black and Tan" slip, to a chilly reception from President Michel D Higgins' dog Misneach at Áras an Uachtaráin. Another stellar moment was when he visited McAteers Food House, a Dundalk deli on the Wednesday of his visit. While there's something humorous in imagining he just slipped in for a sausage roll, naturally the Secret Service had to do a sweep of the premises to ensure its safety. https://twitter.com/mviser/status/1646220590292795400?s=20 In a conversation with RTÉ's Morning Ireland, owner Jerome McAteer said this of the security measures taken ahead of Biden's visit.

"They were sweeping for bombs and stuff last night. Took control of the building last night actually, of the shop itself. And then it was on lock down. "We weren't allowed open today which we were happy with because of the visit. "There was more security from the American side today with sniffer dogs and stuff. That was done three or four times and we were all scanned."

Biden certainly seemed to enjoy his visit regardless; Jerome went on to say he was only meant to stop by for 10 minutes, but this became 25 by the time he left.

 

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While some may be disappointed that Biden's trip to the deli wasn't completely spur of the moment, I like to think he was just so eager to experience a chicken fillet roll or a jambon that he made extra sure he'd be able to ahead of time. Header images via Instagram/mcateersthefoodhouse_dundalk READ ON: - Colin Farrell named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people of 2023 - Irish-owned UK pub voted best in London by Time Out Magazine - Senior aide to Joe Biden dismisses claims that he is 'anti-British'