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Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Michael D Higgins speaks at one of his last events as President. michael tea End of an era as Michael D Higgins hosts final tea reception in the Áras President Higgins welcomed a range of guests from cultural, scientific and charitable groups. 6.14pm, 22 Oct 2025 Share options PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has hosted his final afternoon tea reception in Áras an Uachtaráin. It marks one of his final events as President with the country heading to the polls on this Friday, October 24 to vote for his successor. Today, Higgins and his wife Sabina welcomed people from a range of cultural, charitable, union and scientific groups. Included on the guest list was members of Crann, a charity promoting the sustainable use and conservation of trees and forests in Ireland, and members of Animal Help Net Kerry were also present. Poet Oisín Large and his parents were also present after his parents wrote to Higgins about his poem Lament for Palestine which was published in June. President Higgins speaks at the event today thanking attendees for their contributions Speaking at the event today President Higgins said he has witnessed the “moral leadership” of Irish people over his term “working towards the creation of a just and equal world”. Advertisement He praised the Irish people saying they have shown a commitment to “the principles of generosity, compassion, kindness, decency and care for one another”. President Higgins also expressed his gratitude to the attendees today “for the individual and collective contribution that you have all made to our country in your different capacities”. Michael D Higgins and wife Sabina at one of his last events as President At the event today, the President also welcomed a scientists from the University of Galway, astronomers from Leiden University and University of Arizona. Also in attendance were members from the Inniskillings Museum in Enniskillen and representatives from trade union SIPTU. President Higgins and Sabina have welcomed between fifteen and twenty thousand visitors to Áras an Uachtaráin each year of both of his terms. Events hosted by the outgoing President include summer garden parties in the grounds, receptions, afternoon teas, concerts, tours and events each year for St Brigid’s Day, International Women’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, May Day and Culture Night. President Higgins has often used these events to highlight disadvantaged groups including the Traveller community, migrant and refugee groups, the LGBTQI+ community. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Kate Henshaw Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “End of an era as Michael D Higgins hosts final tea reception in the Áras ”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “End of an era as Michael D Higgins hosts final tea reception in the Áras ”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... 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