Listeners to 2RDJ FM radio show Ireland Calling were given a welcome surprise on May 19, when it broadcasted an interview with the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins.

Mr Higgins told listeners that his connections with Australia were very strong and explained that his nephew lives in Australia.

President Michael D Higgins.

But the links went further back, more specifically, to Queensland.

He explained his uncle was buried in Toowoomba, southern Queensland, after dying while building railways there.Mr Higgin’s aunt was buried in Warwick.

“My father’s family emigrated to Australia and they were in turn going out to the previous generations of Lynchs, who had visited Australia, so then again entered the new generation of Irish. My nephew Kevin and his family are the next generation making a connection to Australia,” he told Michael Lyons, in an interview that was prerecorded in early May.

Ireland Calling presenters Tina King and Catherine Crosse broadcast the interview on May 19.

Mr Higgins said there will be a ‘new Ireland’ for people to come home to, if they decide to return. He urged people to keep in touch with their home.

“Make the very best use of where you are. Know that you are in our thoughts. You will be most welcome to come back and make all the changes in Ireland that you feel to be necessary to make it a more satisfactory place for you and your children,” he said.

Correction: In the print version of this story published on May 23, Ireland Calling was incorrectly referred to as Michael Lyons’ radio show. In fact, Tina King and Catherine Crosse present Ireland Calling. The author apologises for the error.