Catherine Connolly visits local event which trumps meeting with Donald
Just a dozen hours before she was due to welcome President Trump President Catherine Connolly was nowhere to be seen at Áras an Uachtaráin
Instead, an tUachtarán was right at home at probably one of her favourite retreats - in the heart of Conamara and deep among its citizens, the perfect alternative to globalism.
The occasion that put preparations for a world leader's visit on hold was the launch of Féile Ainm Cleite in Tír an Fhia, a festival that recognises writing excellence among its people. Ainm Cleite roughly translates to "Nom de Plume" in French and is a programme of literary and artistic events over the weekend.
For 2026, two awards were presented by President Connolly.
Gradam Tom a' tSeoige was awarded to Sinéad Ní Ráinne on behalf of her mother, Máire, the writer who sadly passed this year.
And Gradam Ainm Cleite was presented to Áine Ní Chonghaile for the excellence of her book "An Cheathrú Rua agus na hOileáin sa Naoú Aois Déag" published by Cló Iar Chonnacht.
Doing trojan work on the night was four-year-old Colm Ó Gionnáin from an Talamh Bán, Leitir Mealláin.
Not only was he the first in line to greet the President inside the Halla, he later grabbed his music box and leapt onstage to belt out the tunes with local Ceann Golaim band members Micheal, PJ and Sonny Colm Larry.
The President was enjoying the occasion so much she deferred the car cavalcade to Dublin and had tea among the crowd, who hardly hid their pride at one of their own being in the highest office in the land and so easy to talk to.
Eventually in the dead of night, she had to leave for her other appointment in the morning.
"Good luck amárach" was shouted after her, bidding her all the best with the 'other President'.