President Higgins has a great day out in Co Louth

I was delighted to receive an invitation to Scoil Muire gan Smal in Kilsaran where President Michael D Higgins unveiled a Tree of Knowledge mural and visited the school's new special unit which caters for children with special needs. The school choir entertained the visitors with a selection of songs as Gaeilge and President Higgins was delighted to hear the children singing in Irish.

President Higgins travelled from Kilsaran to Dundalk where he visited Dundalk Youth Centre in Roden Place. Formerly The Appletree Foundation, the centre provides a space for young people to meet, and where they can access a wide range of services such as the youth café, creative workshops, leadership training and development. The President has a great affinity with young people and obviously enjoyed his visit. He was entertained by local rock band "Manifesto" and was presented with a painting as a memento of his visit. Congratulations to everyone involved, particularly Kevin Moran, Manager of Dundalk Youth Centre for making it such a wonderful occasion.