There was an exceptionally warm welcome for tUachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly when she visited Granard in north Longford on Monday, November 9, with Sister Maeve Brady, the founder of Rath Mhuire and Dolmen Community Resource Centre, describing her as a 'special' person.
President Connolly stopped at the historical Rose Cottage in Ballinalee—which served as the headquarters for General Seán MacEoin during the 1920 Battle of Ballinalee, for lunch on her way.
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The highly respected Sister Brady, a Mercy Sister and a former teacher at Cnoc Mhuire Granard spearheaded the memorable reception for the President of Ireland.
Sr Maeve, who issued the invite to President Connolly to mark the 40th anniversary of Rath Mhuire and Dolmen Community Services, said she was delighted by the the hugely positive event.
Local school children cheered and lined the street with a sign that read 'Welcome President Connolly' and local musicians and Irish dancers performed as she stepped out of her car smiling broadly.
Longford Live photographer Shelley Corcoran captured this gallery of photos from the visit of President Catherine Connolly to Granard and we hope you enjoy them.
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1. Brian McEnery, Pattie Fitzgerald, President Catherine Connolly and Ber Fagan
Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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2. Cnoc Mhuire Granard musicians Brian Reynolds, Lucy Grant, Petrina Mills and Fainche Higgins at Rath Mhuire and Dolmen Community Resource Centre, Granard on Monday afternoon to welcome President Catherine Connolly
Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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3. Ann Mahon, Edna Smith, Deputy Michéal Carrigy, Marie Conlon, Caroline Gray and Celine Malone
Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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4. Granard Municipal District Cathaoirleach Padraig McNamara, Sr Maeve Brady, President Catherine Connolly, Cllr Gerry Hagan, Cllr Colin Dalton and Cllr Turlough McGovern as President Connolly unveils the plaque to mark the 40th anniversary of Rath Mhuire Resource Centre, Granard
Picture: Shelley Corcoran