Irish President Michael D Higgins has carried out his first official duty as Head of State when he laid a wreath at a Remembrance Sunday service in Dublin and then attended a schools’ choir competition in Derry which was won by Wesley College, Dublin.
The President, who was inaugurated on Friday, attended the Evensong at St Patrick’s Cathedral to pay his respects to the 10,000 Irish soldiers killed in World Wars One and Two.
Following a welcome by St Patrick’s Dean, the Very Reverend Robert McCarthy, an introduction by his Vicar, the Rev Charles Mullen, and the address from Mr Myers, President Higgins laid a wreath of poppies at the foot of the cathedral’s war memorial. Others in attendance were Mr Higgins’ wife Sabina, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Andrew Montague, and a small number of surviving World War Two soldiers.
In an address to the congregation, journalist and military historian Kevin Myers spoke of the significance of the President’s attendance. He said: “I begin today by honouring our new President, the commander-in-chief of our Defence Forces.
“Mr President sir, that is surely an honour you will hold closest to your heart — and in this place especially.”In his address, Mr Myers spoke of Irish soldiers and nurses who were killed during the wars, including the first victim, a career-airman from Co Cork.
“Those Irish soldiers helped to end a regime of gas chambers and the guillotine, slavery and the firing squad,” said Mr Myers.
“In those liberated lands in due course emerged what is now the European Union.
“Our bondholders there might be completely unaware of the debt that they owe the ten thousand Irish dead, who died freeing an unfree Europe.
“But at least we in this cathedral do know it. And we do remember. Which is why we are here today.”
Following the service, President Higgins made good on his pledge to continue his predecessor Mary McAleese’s bridge-building efforts when made his first official visit to Northern Ireland. He left Dublin for Derry for RTE’s All Ireland School Choir of the Year competition last night – within two days of his inauguration.
The prestigious event in the city’s Millennium Forum was won by Wesley College from Dublin.
“I am delighted to join you here tonight and to have had the privilege of enjoying such beautiful choral performances,” said Mr Higgins. “Hans Christian Anderson said that where words fail, music speaks.”
The president thanked all the 46 choirs who entered the annual contest run by charity Co-operation Ireland and Irish state broadcaster RTE.
“It has been inspiring to witness the final performances but every participating choir in this competition has shown the wonderful talent and teamwork that enabled each and every one of them to represent their school to the very, very best of their ability,” he said.
“Surely a people that can sing together in harmony is a wonderful and great omen for the future.”
Wesley College won out against other finalists De La Salle College, Waterford; Victoria College, Belfast; and Saint Joseph’s, Navan.
Other dignitaries at the event in Londonderry included Northern Ireland Secretary of State Owen Paterson, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell and Mr Durkan.