Gorey Town Council bestowed the highest honour on Mrs Sabina Higgins, First Lady as wife of President Michael D. Higgins, when she visited the town last Thursday night for the official opening of the long running South Leinster Drama Festival.

Mrs Higgins received an invitation from Vice-Chairman, Cllr. Robbie Ireton, and Town Clerk, Amanda Byrne, to sign the Distinguished Visitors’ Book and the simple, but symbolic ceremony, took place in Gorey Little Theatre.

Cllr. Ireton told Mrs Higgins that the town was honoured that she came as a guest of honour of Gorey Little Theatre Committee, which is one of the town’s finest assets.

“The festival has been running for 58 years and that is a marvellous achievement,” said Cllr. Ireton, who added; “Mrs Higgins’ visit certainly lifts the profile of the festival and this is great for Gorey.”

Speaking at the opening, Mrs Higgins spoke about the importance of having a theatre in the town and felt that Gorey Little Theatre was “a gift for the community.”

Mrs Higgins also attended a reception preceded the opening of the festival where she met with members of the committee and mingled with the invited guests.

Full report in the latest edition of THE GOREY ECHO.