FLHS and FULS representatives meet President Michael D Higgins at Aras an Uachtarain – Tuesday 2nd July 2013
Representatives of both the FLHS and the FULS were present at a special Garden Party on July 2nd 2013 in Aras an Uachtarain, Phoenix Park, Dublin at the invitation of President Michael D Higgins. The FLHS was represented by Dick Ryan, Martina Griffin, Frank Taaffe and Larry Breen and the FULS was represented by Roddy Hegarty, John Dooher, Doreen Mc Bride and John Hulme.
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| Garden in Aras |
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| From left: Roddy Hegarty, Doreen McBride, Martina Griffin, Frank Taffe, Dick Ryan, John Dooher, John Hulme and Larry Breen |
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| Group with President |
After the group met the president and his wife, Sabina, they were free to explore the beautiful gardens and also attend the musical entertainment provided for the guests. There was another opportunity to meet the president informally in the gardens outside after the official group welcomes were over. Refreshments were served during the course of the afternoon and the president delivered a welcome speech to all attendees in the garden marquee. During that speech the president acknowledged the important contribution made by local history societies throughout the island.
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| Doreen, Martina, Roddy and Frank in the Drawing Room |
A memorable day concluded with a most interesting guided tour of the many rooms in the Aras – a most beautiful building.
It was a great privilege to be invited along with other voluntary and community groups to a very special occasion and again exemplifies the close relationship and friendship existing between both Federations.
