
"Every guest who stepped into the reception hall received a timely hello, the President and his wife Sabina Higgins pausing with a great big smile to greet each one as if they were old friends. As trays of delicate finger sandwiches and petits fours circulated, and the scent of freshly baked scones hung in the air, the wine - and the 7UP - were flowing freely."
""Over the past 14 years, these receptions have offered both Sabina and myself an invaluable opportunity to recognise and celebrate the valuable contribution that so many of you have made in your respective fields of endeavour," President Higgins told the assembled crowd. "With my Presidential term drawing to a close, today's event marks the final afternoon tea that I will host mar Uachtarán na hÉireann." He spoke of "the moral leadership and unstinting efforts" of people across Ireland "working towards the creation of a just and equal world", urging that such efforts "represent the best expressions of an active, engaged and inclusive citizenship, one that demonstrates a commitment to a better future founded on principles of solidarity and recognition of the dignity of all members of our shared global family"."
President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins warmly greeted every guest at a final reception, smiling and speaking as trays of finger sandwiches, petits fours and freshly baked scones circulated while wine and 7UP were served. Guests passed a Sunburst painting that will be displayed at the University of Galway in recognition of scientists' discovery of a new planet, 'WISPIT 2b'. Sabina showed an air of lightness as formal engagements near conclusion. President Higgins delivered an address in Irish, praised moral leadership, urged solidarity and dignity, and thanked contributors including a poet, scientists and the Inniskillings Museum, which loaned the green harp.
Read at Irish Independent
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