Offaly delegation visit Leinster House

MEMBERS of the Clara Heritage Society, were joined by members of the Clara Tidy Towns, and the Clara Community, on a trip to Leinster House recently. They were met by Minister Pippa Hacket and her team.

The intergenerational group were treated to a very informative tour through the corridors of power, learning a great deal about Dáil protocol and Irish history, while simultaneously enjoying being seated on the chairs in Seanad Éireann.

Many were keenly interested in the portraits of former Taoisigh, in particular Clara man, Brian Cowen, while others wallowed in the architectural magnificence of the building, intrigued by the beautifully ornate ceiling in the Seanad.

What fascinated all was the level of interest and knowledge the younger members of the group demonstrated, making us all very proud. The younger members themselves were more fascinated by the old shoes and wooden toys that were found during the renovation of the house and believed to have belonged to one of Emily FitzGerald (Lennox), Duchess of Leinster’s children.

A beautiful lunch served in the members’ restaurant crowned the day. A big thank you to Minister Pippa Hacket and her team for this opportunity, and for taking the time to meet with the group at Leinster House, well done also to our very patient guide.

Tours to Leinster house are very sought after but well worth the visit. Travelling by train and Luas made the journey effortless, and it is great to hear of the new proposal to add seven more trains to the Dublin Galway line, enabling more and more of us to leave the car behind and take the train. It is especially good news for those living in our rural towns and villages who must commute to work and college. Well done to all involved in promoting this initiative.A group from Clara recently visited Leinster House and were met by Minister Pippa Hackett.

Minister Hackett said: “It was such a pleasure to welcome people from Clara to Leinster House for the official tour. The passion this group have for Clara town, past, present and future is palpable and they brought much of that interest in history and heritage to Leinster House also. My sincere thanks to them all, even baby Maggie, for the visit.”