President Connolly gets warm welcome in Laois

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 low-key but memorable tour.

During an informal and joyful visit to Portlaoise FRC, based at the Treo Nua building in Knockmay, President Connolly spent time meeting and chatting with children, parents, staff, volunteers and community members involved in the busy centre.

Delighted Portlaoise FRC manager Joan Bolger said afterwards: "Many people contacted me after the visit to say that the president was a true lady and so easy to talk to. She is personable, respectful and genuinely interested in people."

Ms Bolger explained that President Connolly wanted her visit to be informal and to focus on the work of Portlaoise FRC and the people involved.

Ms Bolger observed: “That is something we should celebrate and be very proud of. We have a President of the People. Formal visits involving State agencies, dignitaries and public representatives are important, but informal visits like this allow local people the opportunity to meet and engage with their president in a meaningful and personal way."

A strong advocate for Family Resource Centres across Ireland, President Connolly had visited Portlaoise FRC during her election campaign and promised that, if elected, she would return.

Ms Bolger said: “True to her word, she honoured that commitment with this special visit.” 

The president was warmly welcomed by Ms Bolger and Portlaoise FRC chairperson Patrice Dunne and was presented with a beautiful basket of flowers by little Lilie Ann, whose great-grandmother was a founding member of the centre.

The young-at-heart first citizen particularly enjoyed interacting with children through high-fives, sand play and conversation at the Suiamhneas Early Years Service, managed by Debbie Smith.

President Connolly met members of the board of management and staff team, acknowledging the commitment and voluntary contribution of board members. She also met the centre's Therapeutic Team, led by clinical lead Paul Donnelly, who outlined the range of services available that include children's play and art therapy, adult and adolescent counselling, counselling for non-Irish nationals and problem gambling counselling.

While touring the centre, President Connolly admired the mosaic created as part of the Shared Island Project and requested a photograph beneath it, with Ms Dunne and finance administrator Kathleen McEvoy.

In the community room, the Wednesday Singers Choir welcomed the president with an appropriate and wonderful performance of popular folk song Katie. She then visited each of the groups gathered for the occasion, including the Parents’ Forum, Senior Youth Club, Lemon & Lime Club and the Crafty Ladies, taking time to chat and listen to their experiences.

Local poet Leah O'Reilly Redmond recited her original poem, Catherine Connolly – A Voice for Ireland, before presenting the president with a framed copy.

Portlaoise FRC board member Betty Bland presented the president with a bouquet of flowers, while board member Helen Bohem and Caroline Conroy from Crafty Ladies presented her with a framed picture and history of the Rock of Dunamase, featuring a beautiful photograph by Laois photographer Terry Conroy.

Throughout the event, the Wednesday Singers, led by Sinéad Walsh, entertained guests with a selection of songs that included I Can See Clearly Now and Ride On.

FRC board member Seán O’Neill said it was an honour to welcome President Connolly and give her an opportunity to meet the people who contribute to and benefit from the centre’s work.

Portlaoise FRC works in close partnership with a range of organisations based in the building, including the Treo Nua board and staff, Laois Co Council's Integration Team, HSE Health Promotion and Antenatal Services, Tusla Local Area Family Support Services and Mountmellick YFRC, partner organisations whose representatives also attended the event, including Treo Nua chairperson Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.

Ms Dunne described the presidential visit as “uplifting, enjoyable and a tremendous honour” for Portlaoise FRC and the wider community. She said: “I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of our staff team, who worked tirelessly to ensure the day was such a memorable success."

President Connolly also visited the Hibernian IPAS Centre on Main Street in Abbeyleix, where she was greeted by delighted residents, staff 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.

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, in 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.’