Many American presidents claim to have kissed the Blarney Stone but our first documented connection is with one who did not, but apparently wished he had. In apologising for a lengthy speech in Dublin, Ulysses S Grant stated... “I have never seen the Blarney Stone – nor am I likely now – but I have been looking for some time at my friend, Mr. Butt, and have read a great many eloquent and witty things that he has said, I thought that if I had the opportunity I would say some good things too.â€