Ballyporeen

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Ballyporeen is a village in County Tipperary, Ireland. It is located within the local government area of South Tipperary, formerly known as South Riding. It lies between the Galtee Mtns to the north and the Knockmealdowns to the south.

Ballyporeen is most well-known for being the ancestral home of Ronald Reagan. His grandfather, Michael Regan (who changed the spelling of his name later on), was baptized in the town in 1828 and lived there until his emigration to the United States in the 1860s. President Reagan visited the town in 1984 and delivered a speech to its residents, during which he discussed his ancestry and what he called the "Irish-American tradition".

The Reagan visit to Ireland was accompanied by some protest, the main focus of which was US foreign policy, particularly Reagan's backing of the Contras in Nicaragua & Honduras.

The town is home to the Ronald Reagan Vistior's Center, and previously home to The Ronald Reagan pub. However the Ronald Reagan Pub has closed and sold it's sign to a Ronald Reagan museum in Santa Barbara, California. The village today has changed little since the President's visit. The population remains the same (approx 500 -600)and the majority of people are employed in agriculture and construction.

Ballyporeen is also home to the singer/songwriter Gemma Hayes who's hits include "Back of my Hand" from her debut album "Night on my Side" which was released to critical acclaim.