President Robinson feels like dancing in streets of Tralee

December 1991

SUCH was the enthusiasm of the welcome President Mary Robinson received on her first official visit to Tralee that she felt she was being invited to dance with everyone in Tralee.

The pouring rain did not dampen the spirits of the hundreds of Shanakill residents who lined the streets to welcome her first port of call on her first presidential visit to the town on Saturday.

The first stop in her one day trip was to perform the official opening of the Shanakill Community Centre.

The bright coloured bunting blew overhead and they were singing and dancing in the streets as they awaited the arrival of the woman who would give the centre its ultimate sign of approval.

While they waited, the majorettes, dancers, pipe band and choir entertained the crowds.

Deputies Dick Spring, Tom McEllistrim, Jimmy Deenihan, Cllrs John Blennerhasset , Johnny Wall and Maurice O’Connor and representatives from FAS and the Southern Health Board all played a background role to the main stars of the day - Mná Shanakill.

This was their moment of glory.; committee members Bernie O’Carroll, Carmel O’Regan, Paula Looney, Phil Dowling and Sr Catherine Troy all took centre stage.

And it was they who officially welcomed the nation’s first citizen to the centre. Then it was the turn of the Shanakill Irish dancers, majojrettes and judo club to give the president a display of their talents.

Accompanied by her husband Nick, President Robinson looked radiant in her deep cerise suit as she cut the tape to officially open the centre; she thanked the committee for inviting her and congratulated them on their tremendous work.

“I was overwhelmed by the community spirit that hit me as I walked up the road. As the pipers led me down the road it was like an invitation to come dance with you all here in Tralee.

“This centre did not just drop out of the sky; it is a testimony to your enormous commitment to the area,” she said.

It’s safe to say that President Robindson enjoyed her visit.