President Connolly gets warm welcome in Laois
A snapshot of President Catherine Connolly on her arrival in Abbeyleix today. Image: Abbeyleix community page
PRESIDENT Catherine Connolly received a warm welcome in Laois today, when she visited a number of towns during a sun-filled tour.
The president kept a promise made during her election campaign that she would return to Treo Nua Portlaoise Family Resource Centre (PFRC), while Abbeyleix and Durrow were also on the itinerary during a memorable visit to the county.
Suitably dressed for the heatwave in a white trouser suit, President Connolly visited the Hibernian IPAS Centre on Main Street in Abbeyleix, where she was greeted by delighted residents, staff, dignitaries and the wider community.
Formerly a direct provision centre, the IPAS (International Protection and Accommodation Service) Centre, based in the former Hibernian Hotel on Pembroke Terrace, has accommodated families since 2018 and has become an integral part of the community.
At Treo Nua in Portlaoise, the president met locals and volunteers at a reception that included a wonderful performance by the Wednesday Choir, so named as they meet at the centre every Wednesday. The exuberant choir appropriately selected the popular classic ‘Katie’, as their voices soared to greet the nation’s first citizen.
President Connolly was given a tour of the busy centre by PFRC manager Joan Bolger and was also greeted by centre staff, Laois County Council chief executive Michael Rainey, Independent TD Brian Stanley and Treo Nua chairperson Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.
During a memorable visit, President Connolly also met groups that included the PFRC antenatal group, the Lemon and Lime youth group, Portlaoise Community Stop Smoking Service, Portlaoise Crafty Ladies and Portlaoise seniors.
Local poet Leah O’Reilly Redmond recited her poem titled ‘Catherine Connolly, a Voice for Ireland’, while local photographer Terry Conroy presented the president with a framed photograph of the Rock of Dunamase during the joyful visit.
The thriving centre works with the local community to identify needs and develop appropriate responses, providing a wide range of programmes, supports and services for families and individuals living in Portlaoise and its environs.
Meanwhile, customers and staff at Bowe’s Foodhall & Café in Durrow were thrilled when President Connolly popped in to sample the venue’s delicious fare, with a strong emphasis on Laois produce, during her visit to the picturesque town where a new Community Centre is nearing completion.
Bowe’s management said on social media: ‘We were honoured to welcome President Catherine Connolly to Bowes Foodhall & Café today. It was a privilege to meet and host President Connolly during her visit and we sincerely appreciate her taking the time to call in and experience Bowes Café.’ See more on President Connolly’s visit in the next edition of the Laois Nationalist, in shops and online every Tuesday
