Highlights from our Prince of Wales and President of Ireland visit!

Posted on: 14 February 2019 by Lisa Jones in 2019 posts

Prince of Wales meeting the crowd
The Prince of Wales meeting the crowd.

We were excited to welcome the Prince of Wales and President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins to the Victoria Gallery and Museum on campus this week, to sign a joint patronage agreement for the Insititute. Before the signing, they were happy to meet the crowds waiting outside, as well as chatting to staff, students, alumni and many more guests inside the gallery.

Poetry, music and more

After introductions from VC Janet Beer and Prof Peter Shirlow, Director of the Irish Institute, Professor Frank Shovlin, who specialises in Irish literature, read a letter written by the current focus of his research, John McGahern to one of the great names of Irish poetry, Seamus Heaney. Seamus Heaney’s daughter was in attendance.

Ahead of the official signing of the patronage documents, Katherine Parke, who is studying for an MA in Irish Studies, read the Paul Muldoon poem, 'The Language Issue' in Gaelic and English. The patrons were then treated to a performance of bluegrass music by Caitlin Gilligan.

Excitement from the crowd

As they made their way outside, excitement from the crowd bubbled over when the Prince of Wales came into view - and he paused to talk to and shake hands with more onlookers before leaving for his next appointments around the city.

Video and picture highlights!

Take a look at how the morning unfolded on social media, including pictures and video of the visit.

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