THE DAY WE MET THE PRESIDENT.
Monday December 9th 2002 is a date that will live long in our memories. Europe’s largest park – The Phoenix Park, looks it’s best in the winter sunshine (with a touch of frost) as about 20 cars containing past and present “Jomac” members converged on Aras an Uachtarain (The President’s House), from points North, South, East and West.
This was the culmination of our Golden Jubilee Year which began back in January with a special mass, and to be followed by various functions including the August re-union, and now was to finish in style with the group meeting Ireland’s first citizen President Mary McAleese.
The security formalities over, we entered the magnificent grounds of the presidential residence. After the cars were parked it was only a short stroll to the house where we were met by the President's aide and ushered into a large imposing drawing room where we waited in eager expectation for the President to enter.
A spontaneous round of applause broke out as gracious President came through the door and immediately everyone felt very relaxed in her company. After a few welcoming words she mingled with the group chatting to everyone as she moved around, showing a genuine interest in what “Jomac Productions” has achieved during 50 years.
She invited the group to join her for a group photograph after which tea and coffee was served in cups displaying the Irish harp (there were cakes too of course).
Our magician John Ryan performed, what must have been his shortest act, one trick that demonstrated how easy it was to make money out of old newspaper cuttings. The President was very impressed. Our resident pianist Denis Rahill at the grand piano played the very appropriate “White Christmas”. Eddie Finlay accompanied by Denis gave a rendering of “As Time Goes By” while Jimmy Percy waltzed some of the ladies around the inviting floor.
After about an hour the President seemed reluctant to leave us. Before she did we presented her with our Jubilee Tee – Shirts for her children followed by loud applause as she bade farewell.
The beautiful day was still not over as Commdt. Dermot O’Connor brought us on a tour of the state apartments, which was another wonderful experience. And so ended our once in a lifetime visit to this historic house which most of us have up to now, only caught a glimpse of as we passed up and down the main road in “The Park”.
To President Mary McAleese, Commdt. Dermot O’Connor, and all the staff at Aras an Uachtarain thank you for giving us this special day which we will never forget.
Robert McLoughlin Hon. Sec.
Jomac Productions
