ST PETER'S CHURCH BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO MARYBOROUGH SCHOOL

  On Monday 27 th September, the President and Dr McAleese arrived at 11.35am and were met by the principal, Mrs Valerie Whitten, who introduced them to teachers Ms Gloria Armitage and Mrs Ann Fallows, to the Rt Revd Peter Barrett, patron of theschool and to members of the board.

In her tour of the classrooms the President shook each pupil's hand and answered a wide variety of questions such as: 'What is your favourite food?' ('stew - with loads and loads of carrots.'); and 'what is your favourite pet?' ('probably dogs,' was the answer, 'because we have two lunatic dogs called Homer and Lucy, but also the deer in the park and the animals in the zoo'). 'What's the worst part of being President?' ('Being asked questions,' joked the President.')

The children also recited poems, performed songs on their recorders and presented the President with a card, a posy of flowers in her favourite colour, pale lilac, and a calendar featuring prayers written by themselves and art work from the competition 'Impressions of St Peter's Church, Portlaoise.'

PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO ST PETER'S CHURCH 

After lunching in the Heritage Hotel the Presidential party walked across the road and entered the church by the side gate where they were met by the rector, officers of the church and members of the Select Vestry as well as many other parishioners and well-wishers. The President was then presented with a posy of flowers by Olwen Claxton.

On entering the church porch the President and Dr McAleese signed the visitor's book and were given a brief history of the Gandon steeple and layout of the church by Mr Dennis Walshe.

In the absence of Mrs Phyllis Clegg, Mrs Ann Coe, artistic director, accompanied the party as they toured the church and flower festival. 'It's like the Chelsea Flower Show' remarked the President as she admired the outstanding floral art, the woodwork, the photography and Mountmellick lace. She was most interested too in the memorials to historical figures of the past, in the stained glass windows and the volumes of war memorials.

Next it was over to the large marquee for the formalities. Mr Gordon Roche, co-ordinator of the marquees and of all events therein announced the arrival of the President to invited guests and parishioners. She was introduced by Mr John Culbert, rector's churchwarden. In her speech the President commented on all she had seen and commended everyone who had organised the celebrations, saying their achievements made for a 'strong, vibrant community'.

She was thanked by Mr Dick Allen and presented with an Irish handmade cut-glass vase by Mrs Florrie Rowan on behalf of all the parishioners, after which she was presented by a commissioned painting of St Peter's Church by Mr Willie Aird, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council.

The President and Dr McAleese then mingled with everyone before planting a tree at the main gates - a gift from the Town Council (represented by Mayor Kathleen O'Brien) to St Peter's Church to mark the occasion.