A long-standing goal of Kevin Hughes who lives in St. Michael’s House Sallowood and attends Castle Industries is to visit Áras an Uachtaráin and meet President Mary McAleese. Kevin wrote to the President to request an invitation and was delighted when he and his housemates’ Noel Whelan, Paul Mcdonald, Gerard Mcauley and Alison Donoghue received a special invitation to attend the President’s Summer Garden Party.

Upon arrival Kevin, Noel, Paul Gerard, and Alison were greeted by President Mc Aleese and her husband Martin and had there photograph taken with them. After a short tour of Áras an Uachtaráin and the gardens they joined other guests for some light refreshments. This was followed by a concert where Kevin and Gerard were seated next to President Mc Aleese and were able to ask her questions about life in Áras an Uachtaráin. When it was time to go home Kevin and his housemates were each given a souvenir book about Áras an Uachtaráin to remind them of there very special day.