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.
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5. Ann Mulligan, Eileen Campbell, Patsy Boyle, President Catherine Connolly, Brian McEnery, Helen Reynolds, Tom Murray, Fr Simon Cadam and Sr Maeve Brady at the Rath Mhuire Resource Centre 40th anniversary celebration
Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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6. President Catherine Connolly signing the visitor book at Rath Mhuire and Dolmen Community Resource Centre, Granard on Monday afternoon
Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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7. Pamela Dolan, Anton, Orla Lynch, Ann Mahon, President Catherine Connolly, Caroline Gray, Celine Malone, Marie Conlon and Edna Smith
Picture: Shelley Corcoran
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8. Talented musician Fainche Higgins with President Catherine Connolly at Rath Mhuire and Dolmen Community Resource Centre, Granard on Monday afternoon.
Picture: Shelley Corcoran