ST Mary's Killyclogher all-Ireland Set Dancers, Ceili Dancers and the Scor na nOg ballad group, travelled to Dublin today (Thursday) to Aras an Uachtaran, the official residence of president, Mary McAleese. The president had met the Scor winners on a visit to Ballinamullan in January and said she would look forward to seeing them in Dublin.

Today she did just that, as the group played at a garden party in the Aras, first for the guests in general but later they did a three minute set for the President.

During her visit to Ballinamullan in January the President gave special recognition to a unique situation, where music, song and dance, the Irish language and games are all promoted on the same site.

Ballinamullan is home to Scoil na gCrann (the Irish Language school), to Dun Uladh (the Headquarters of CCE) and it is also home to the GAA in Cappagh.

The three organisations combined to give President McAleese and her entourage a memorable welcome. The President was fulsome in her praise of the collaborative manner in which all aspects of our culture are being positively and actively promoted.

An important part of 'Clar an Lae' for the Presidential visit was the live entertainment provided and the President warmly praised all performers. Mrs McAleese intimated on the day that she would like to see them perform again at Aras an Uachtarain.

The performers were accompanied to Dublin by members of the club's Scor committee and by club officials.

Mid-Tyrone Councillor, Declan McAleer, said he was delighted to here of the group's visit to Dublin, "They have brought pride and honour to the area in their winning oif the Scor."

He continued, "Recently they were honoured for their achievements by the then first citizen of the district Cllr Sean Begley, now they are being honoured by the first citizen of the country. ."