Cllr Andrew Montague, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Cllr John Lyons in Ballymun
Archbishop Desmond Tutu Visits Ballymun
17 February 2009
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the President, Mary McAleese stormed through Ballymun today. Along the way they opened the new Community Music Room in St Joseph's school and the new indoor football facility in Trinity Comprehensive.
At a reception in the Civic Centre Archbishop Tutu had us all waving our arms in the air and shouting that we are all "VSPs" - Very Special People. I'm sure that many of the children in the audience didn't know who he was, but he charmed everyone with his wit and enthusiasm. He told us that some VIPs travel in motorcades with motorcycle outriders before turning cheekily to look at the President.
The President talked about the wonderful changes in Ballymun and she believed they were a tribute to its people.
Well done to Ronan King, the chair of the board of Ballymun Regeneration Ltd (BRL) for arranging the visit. I also want to thank Ciarán Murray and his team (in particular Cian Harte) for bringing these great new facilities to Ballymun and delivering everything on-time for the visit.
