IRISH President Michael D Higgins has been presented with a painting of the two Armagh Cathedrals bearing the name of St Patrick!
The work – by local artist Olive Duffy – was handed over by Armagh Council Sinn Fein group leader Cathy Rafferty, and Stephen McCleary, a representative from Cairde Teo, an Irish Language group in Armagh, during a visit to Áras an Uachtaráin.
They were invited along with a number of other representatives in relation to the celebration of Saint Patrick, hosted by President Higgins and his wife, Sabina.
Mr McCleary is also involved with the ‘Men’s Shed’ project in Armagh, which is currently thriving, supporting men who want to get together to share and learn new skills. President Michael D Higgins is a patron to this project.
Cllr Rafferty, speaking after the event, said described it as “very successful”.
“It was a lovely informative day that I really enjoyed. It involved a lecture about the history of Saint Patrick and Irish culture,” she explained. “Stephen McCleary and I presented the president with a framed painting of the two Cathedrals in Armagh, painted by local artist Olive Duffy; he was delighted with his gift and thanked us dearly.
“We invited the President to the Cathedral City home of St Patrick and he was very positive about a visit. I do believe we will see the President in the near future.”
