return to The Vault   the Taoiseach pays a visit The highlight of our Irish Week festivities was the visit of Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Bertie Ahern, and the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Joe Doyle. John and Chris hosted a reception for them upon their arrival in the U.S. John arranged a day at the races at Bay Meadows the following Saturday. Afterwards the Taoiseach spent the evening at the restaurant chatting with the locals.   Secret Service agents were posted as the Taoiseach and his party arrived   Ray O'Flaherty greets the Taoiseach   Irish Senator Tony Kett sings along with John late in the evening   Senator Tony Kett and Prime Minister Ahern   John and Patty with Mr. Ahern   John and Patty with Joe and Peggy Doyle photos taken by Patty Hannegan and Tom Ovens