U.S Vice President quotes Co.Derry Poet 'off the cuff'

US Vice President Joe Biden has quoted the Irish Poet ,Seamus Heaney after accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

Barrack Obama installed the highest US civilian honour as one of his final acts at the White House. 

Mr Obama praised his vice-president for his "faith in fellow Americans,love of country and a lifetime of service".

The award comes as both men prepare to leave office when Donald Trump is inaugurated on 20 January.

Mr.Biden has quoted Irish Poets in a number of historic speeches. 

Fans of Heaney were surprised to learn he could remeber the lines of 'Republic of Conscience' during the off gaurd presentation.

"I had no inkling." Said Mr.Biden after the President called Military officials to the stage with a medal. 

He continued "I thought we were coming over to Michelle for you, Jill and Barack and I and a couple of senior staff to toast one another and say what an incredible journey it's been."

Belaghy born, Heaney, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1995.

His work was described as being "of lyrical beauty and ethical depth, which exalt everyday miracles and the living past."

The Co.Derry man died in August 2013 at his home in Dublin. 

His works are celebrated today at the 'Seamus Heaney HomePlace Centre' in Bellaghy which opened last year. 

WATCH HERE : Seamus Heaney reference at 32Minutes