While in Tubbercurry in south Sligo yesterday for the centenary commemoration of the Connaught Rangers mutiny, President Michael D Higgins also performed another duty.
It was the launch of a mural in the town to mark the 50th anniversary of Down Syndrome Ireland, of which the President is patron.
The 30-foot mural, entitled Embrace Diversity, features two people of different generations with Down Syndrome.
They are eight-year old Nova Clancy from Gurteen, Co Sligo and 29-year old Sammy Kratschmar from Dublin.
The mural was created by local artist Damien Moran, who has a cousin with Down Syndrome, and who took on the project as a result of his admiration for the work of the Sligo branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.
After launching the mural, President Higgins and his wife, Sabina,spend some time greeting local people who had gathered along the main street through the town while on his way to unveil the Connaught Rangers memorial in Wolfe Tone Square.
Speaking to Ocean FM News, Declan Cooke, joint chairperson of the Sligo branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, said it was an honor to have President Higgins launch the mural.
