Photo was taken near English Market, Grand Parade, Cork (Irl)

Alannah Hickey gets the moment just right last Friday with the visit of Queen Elizabeth. The attention to detail and the spread of colour deserves full marks and praise. Today we welcome to Ireland, the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. He is guaranteed to get a fantastic warm Irish welcome.

Thought on Monday – June – 23/05/2011

‘I remember thinking to myself when I was about fourteen that I was impressed that I could win an argument with him and he would change his views. And I remember thinking that I must remember to remain open in an argument to new ideas and remain open to another view point.’ ~Mary Fitzgerald daughter of the late Garret Fitzgerald whose state funeral took place yesterday

Tributes to the late Taoiseach Dr Garret Fitzgerald continued to be spoken yesterday. He clearly was a man who inspired so many people and who had a positive and optimistic outlook on life at all times. Right up to his recent illness he was active, enthusiastic and interested in all aspects of life around him, particularly his immediate family. Throughout his 85 years he was always open to other viewpoints, was willing to embrace change and never gave up even when all seemed lost. He was also a man of faith who had a great interest in theology and the diversity of beliefs to be found in our world today. There are lots of uncertainties, difficulties and challenges facing all of us today. The life of the late Garret Fitzgerald is a reminder to keep our heads up, that there is a way forward, to be hopeful and positive and to know that working together is the best way forward. May he rest in peace.