Maggie Chambers

The grandparents of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Kearney left Oghagower, a small village in Mayo, in July of 1925.

Robert Kearney and Nora Moran emigrated to Canada and today their grandson is returning to the village.

The excitement around Oghagower has been building since the announcement.

There are Canadian flags hanging outside several houses while the village itself is decorated with bunting.

At the heart of Oghagower is Scott's, the local shop, post office and pub.

Owner, JP Scott, says the excitement surrounding the visit has been growing in the last few days.

Mr Kearney still has lots of family here.

It's hoped he'll meet with his second cousin, Pat Kearney, a man in his 90s, while his second cousin, once removed, Gus Herity, is also hoping to meet with him today.

The community centre has been turned into an exhibition for the visit.

There are five different sections on show, Oghagower to Canada, the relatives of Nora Moran, maps of Oghagower, UNESCO Global Geoparks,

genealogy of the Kearney Moran families.

On each wall there are boards mounted explaining the history of Mr Kearney's roots in the village.

Chairperson of Oghagower Community Council Colette Sheridan explains the work that went into it.

Mr Kearney is meeting President Catherine Connolly in Westport this morning before travelling to Hoggower this afternoon.

While he's there, he's expected to attend local mass and meet his relations and the community.

Cabbage Kitchens is in charge of the food for the day.

Owner Redmond has put together a special menu for the occasion.

The real vibe around the community is excitement.

I spoke to some of the locals yesterday and they described the atmosphere.

The younger generation has been getting involved too.