By Rosetta Donnelly
PRESIDENT Mary McAleese was overwhelmed at the warmth of the reception she received when, yesterday, (Wednesday), she visited Omagh schools connected to the Lammy fire.
The first lady visited St Conor's PS and the Sacred Heart College as a mark of respect following the tragic loss of pupils, Caroline, 13, Sean, 7, and Bellina McElhill, 4, who perished in the Lammy arson in November 2007, along with their parents, Lorraine McGovern and Arthur McElhill, and younger siblings, Clodagh, 18 months, and baby James, nine months.
The pupils of both schools visited Aras an Uachtaran in May, last year, and invited the President to visit them in Omagh.
Donal McDermott, principal of The Sacred Heart College said the President managed to meet a lot of the pupils through guards of honour and in the question and answer session in the Hall.
"She has a great warmth and pupils felt it and were able to chat easily to her. He added that the President was emotional at the warmth of the reception she received.
"She also met with the Class of 10A4 in which Caroline McElhill was a pupil and talked with her classmates about growing strong out of adversity," said Mr McDermott.
At St Conor's PS, the guards of honour of pupils, albeit a little smaller, also greeted the President.
Katrina McGettigan, principal, said the day was a celebration for the entire school community. "There was fabulous music from the school choir and from adult musicians who support our school."
She said the pupils were broken into two groups and the President chatted with them all.
The President also visited St Dympna's GFC in Dromore which is marking its 75th birthday. She was welcomed by well-known local man John McCusker.
Later she travelled to The Glens Centre in Gortin in recognition of the inclusive community work the Glens Development group does for the entire community. Afterwards she paid a trip to the Flaxmill Centre in Sixmilecross to see the diverse range of activities undertaken there before making her way back to Dublin.
MLA, Barry McElduff had been involved in helping to organise the trip to Aras for the schools and was invited to attend St Conor's PS when the President visited. He said he was honoured to be there for what he e called "a very special day".
