Reagan's Toast To The Irish

President Reagan's 1988 surprise visit to an Irish Pub

 On St. Patrick's Day, 1988; President Ronald Reagan made an unannounced stop at the end of his daily duties.. He went across the Potomac to visit a lively little Irish tavern called "Ireland's Own". the owner, Pat Troy, is a staunch Republican.

  When the secret service finished a quick sweep of the establishment, the motorcade arrived and "the Gipper" strolled in to have a beer with the local patrons.

  After Troy roused the crowd with Irish songs, Reagan took the stage. 

"When I was a little boy, my father proudly told me that the Irish built the jails in this country,"

 Reagan said. 

"Then they proceeded to fill them."

David Van Risseghem