There’s excitement and pride across Co Mayo today as Joe Biden is set to become the 46th US President at a scaled-back ceremony in Washington this evening.
Around 1 thousand people are expected to be at the inauguration in Washington DC - significantly lower than at previous ceremonies.
The event - which gets underway at 5pm Irish time - has been scaled back due to security concerns as well as COVID-19 guidelines.
Joe Biden will take the oath of office before US Chief Justice John Roberts just after 12 noon American time .
The ceremony will unfold in front of a heavily fortified US Capitol, where Donald Trump supporters stormed the building two weeks ago, following his false claims that November's election was stolen with millions of fraudulent votes.
Mr Biden's great-great-grandfather emigrated from Knockmore to the USA in the 1840's, and the incoming President has always spoken proudly of his Mayo roots.
Joe Biden visited Ballina as US Vice-President in 2016, and returned the following year to turn the sod on the Mayo/ Roscommon hospice unit in Castlebar.
A mural of the incoming President was unveiled in Market Square in Ballina late last year.
Joe Blewitt, one of the incoming President's relatives from Knockmore, says it's a great day for the family, and the people of Ballina and Co Mayo.
