At the President’s Garden Party

While President Michael D. Higgins was unable to join us at our recent Conference, he did send a message of congratulations on the occasion of our 30th anniversary. Later, an invitation was received to attend a Community Heritage Day Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin on Sunday 2 July.

Along with Board members Charlie Smith and Zaynab Salman and Cathaoirleach Macrina Clancy, were members Anne Shanahan and Anne Burns and staff member, Emma Clarke Conway.

On arriving at the Áras, guests were greeted most graciously by Sabina Higgins, pictured below. A trip through the various beautifully appointed reception rooms was followed by a stroll in the beautiful gardens, featuring assorted entertainment.

Inside an impressive marquee, guests were fed and watered with sweet and savoury treats, including delicious fruit. A tour guide mentioned how the Áras gardens are managed sustainably and fruit, vegetables and flowers are often provided for guests from the gardens. Certainly it was appreciated how juicy the strawberries and how fresh the raspberries.

After the President’s speech followed entertainment by balladeer Lisa O’Neill, rappers God Knows, Havana Club Trio and Shaskeen. There was a wonderful party atmosphere concluding a most enjoyable day.