US Republican vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan will be invited to visit Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny as partt of 'The Gathering'.

The Irish roots of Mr Ryan have been trace to Ullard, just outside the Kilkenny town. The great-great-grandparents of Mitt Romney’s running mate were James Ryan and Catherine Shea, who were married in the parish of Graiguenamanagh and who lived in the townland of Cloghaste in Ullard.

Some of Mr Ryan’s relatives have visited Co Kilkenny, with his uncle paying a visit to the parish in 2010.

Carlow-Kilkenny TD Ann Phelan said there was “much interest” in Mr Ryan and his connections. Whether or not Mr Romney won the election, an invitation would be sent to Mr Ryan, she added, as part of the Gathering.