East Belfast Community Development Agency

The Health Team of EBCDA was lucky to receive an invitation to the public meeting with the President and Dr Martin McAleese on 12th July 2010.  Two lay health workers Ian Kerr and Brian McClean from Ballybeen and Alan Houston Health Development Worker were able to attend.  It was a great experience to celebrate the 12th in this unique location.  When we came to the President’s Residence, after a few wrong turns on the N3, it was situated in 1700 acres of the Phoenix Park, and there were many people waiting in line, taking pictures and generally having a good time.  Mary McAleese, wearing a striking outfit and with her husband Martin greeted everybody in a great hall. Each group, by turn, came up to the President and her husband, who personally greeted them.

Then were excursions arranged around the President’s Residence. We were invited to the garden and the sunny weather meant we were able to enjoy the wonderful surroundings. The hospitality was second to none with tables serving refreshments and different drinks. There were groups of fantastic artists performing, Iarla Ó Lionáird and Jackie Boyce performed songs from the Irish and Ulster-Scots traditions. Other performers included Belfast flautists, Marcas Ó Murchú and Michael Clarkson, and the 1st Old Boys Association Band from Belfast, BBL Band of the Year 2009.

The event marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Douglas Hyde, first President of Ireland who died on 12th July 1949.  There was an exhibition of memorabilia in the halls showing the work of this Protestant Irish nationalist.  His example of promoting peace and intellectual curiosity was emphasised when the President made her welcome speech to the 400 guests gathered in the large marquee. She also spoke in depth about the community participation of many people who continue to give courageous example of how to build good neighborliness.   After the speech, the President wished good-bye to everybody and guests continued to enjoy her hospitality.