On Monday January 31st 2011 we some members of the ARA from Shannonbridge travelled to Dublin to visit Arus an Uachtuarain. The group were as follows;
Kieran and Ailish Kelly
Mick Killeen
Tommy McEVoy
Kay Donegan
May Duffy
Bridie Green
Margaret Mary
We arrived in Dublin ar 11.25 a.m. and were welcomed graciously by the welcoming staff. We were then led into the main hall way and we met several people from other ARA groups including people from Drogheda, Rostrevor. Then each ARA group was introduced personally to the President. Kieran Kelly presented her with a book on the History of Clonmacnois, which she accepted graciously. She spoke a few words to each of us and there were professional photographers also. We took some photographs ourselves also. We were then led into a large banquet room which was set out beautifully. There were about 10 tables and each ARA group sat at their own table. It is hard to describe the lay out but maybe I could describe it as the old fashioned idea of Afternoon tea....beautiful china, a selection of sandwiches, small dainty cakes and meringues and cocktail sausages. The staff were there to provide tea and coffee and needless to remark their gracious service.
ThePresident then addressed the group. She warmly welcomed us and apologised that her husband Martin was not there as he had gone to London, and then she made a joke not because her own mother was there with ARA from Rostrevor. Her main message was one of welcome firstly and then she said she was very aware that most of us there today had borne the heat of the day, had worked hard all our lives, had lived through recession and coped. She said her wish for all of us was to relax in the Arus, interact with others and enjoy the day. She spoke about the importance of the simple things in life and the necessity to have quality time with family and friends. Following the address we then had entertainment from a beautiful soprano accompanied by a wonderful pianist. The President went around to each table and spoke to the group for approximately 10 minutes. We spoke about Shannonbridge and she mentioned that she had been there and also to Clonmacnois. She
told us that she hopes to go to live in Carrickonshannon when she leaves the Arus.
It was a wonderful day and one not to be missed. Despite all the doom and gloom around these day it was wonderful to experience the of Mary McAleese herself and her very gracious staff. All one could say is that one could be nothing but proud of our dear President Mary Mc Aleese.
Sr Margaret Mary ARA Shannonbridge.