Meeting the President of Ireland
Last Thursday, I had the honor of meeting President Michael D Higgins at his residence, Áras an Uachtaráin, with Plan Ireland, the International Development Organization that I am volunteering with.
Plan Ireland is celebrating their 75th Birthday this year and the President of Ireland wanted to recognize the organization for the work they have done and they continue to do.
We were bused to his residence, and escorted in by 2 guards. No security checks at all, pretty crazy. They asked us to bring ID's, but they weren't checked. They organized us in a circle and shortly after brought in, and announced, President Michael D Higgins. He walked around the entire group with Plan's CEO David Dalton, who introduced everyone to the President. I was very impressed with both Plan's President and President Higgins. He took his time and engaged in conversation with some people, not me though!
After, President Higgins addressed Plan and the work they do. He was very thoughtful, appreciative and engaged in Plan's work. Then Plan's CEO spoke and presented a gift.
Plan brought along a few ambassadors to the celebration as well. Malcolm O'Kelly, who is a retired Rugby player who played for Ireland and Leinster (Dublin's team). Claire Bergin, who is about to complete in the 4x400 in the London Olympics. She is quite the athlete as she also completed in the Winter Olympics in Bobsled (think Cool Runnings!). And Laura Whitmore, who is an MTV VJ. Plan's longest running sponsor also joined the group. She has been sponsoring a child through Plan for 22 years. I think that is pretty amazing, what an inspiring and generous person.
After a group shot, President Higgins invited us for tea. We all mingled and drank tea and biscuits. And finally, one of the guards gave us a tour of the house. The tour consisted of 3 rooms, the 4th was being used for a meeting. It was still nice, and the guard was surprising funny and entertaining.
Back on the bus and off to lunch we went to continue the celebration.
And that's it! A day that I will remember for a lifetime. Thanks Plan Ireland.
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| He hardly looked at me! |
We were bused to his residence, and escorted in by 2 guards. No security checks at all, pretty crazy. They asked us to bring ID's, but they weren't checked. They organized us in a circle and shortly after brought in, and announced, President Michael D Higgins. He walked around the entire group with Plan's CEO David Dalton, who introduced everyone to the President. I was very impressed with both Plan's President and President Higgins. He took his time and engaged in conversation with some people, not me though!
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| There is my little glance - pre-handshake |
Plan brought along a few ambassadors to the celebration as well. Malcolm O'Kelly, who is a retired Rugby player who played for Ireland and Leinster (Dublin's team). Claire Bergin, who is about to complete in the 4x400 in the London Olympics. She is quite the athlete as she also completed in the Winter Olympics in Bobsled (think Cool Runnings!). And Laura Whitmore, who is an MTV VJ. Plan's longest running sponsor also joined the group. She has been sponsoring a child through Plan for 22 years. I think that is pretty amazing, what an inspiring and generous person.
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| The whole Plan entourage with the Pres |
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| Presidential Tea - and a crumb from my scone |
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| What's a party without a beautiful & delicious cake? |
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