The Royal Visit

Chamber President David Kiely and I were privileged to attend the civic reception held in honour of HRH Charles, Prince of Wales and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall in the Model on Wednesday morning. To say that the event was spine tingling is an understatement. The level of sensitive planning and preparation that went into the event was evident throughout and was reflected throughout the globe.
Sligo has shone on many occasions and yesterday was up there with the best of them. The special composition by Michael Rooney was performed to perfection by young musicians and set the scene for a truly remarkable and very human speech by the Prince of Wales.
The subsequent visits to IT Sligo, Lissadell, Drumcliffe, Mullaghmore and the Sligo Races were all reported on throughout the world and showed Sligo in such a positive light. That Sligo should move to centre stage in an ongoing journey of reconciliation was perfectly appropriate with many references to WB Yeats whose 150th Birthday we celebrate this year.
We are blessed to live in a part of the world of incredible beauty that has influenced and continues to influence our way of being. Yesterday gave expression to that way of being on an international stage. To all of those at a local, national and international level who contributed towards the organisation of yesterday’s event, we say a very special thank you and extend our genuine appreciation.