A grand day at Aras for all the President's men
McAleese salutes rugby heroes who did us proud
Brian O'Driscoll and Amy Huberman chatting with Mrs McAleese and husband Martin
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NO matter where they go, there is a hug for Ireland's most famous engaged couple.
Yesterday, President Mary McAleese was the latest to offer her congratulations to Irish rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll and his fiancee Amy Huberman.
Mrs McAleese warmly embraced the young actress and her husband-to-be as she welcomed the pair to Aras an Uachtarain along with the victorious Six Nations-winning Irish rugby team.
She joked that even staff who had not been rostered on for the day had turned up to meet the Grand Slam team, and that some employees had donned new outfits for the day.
Reception
Some 110 people, including players, their partners, IRFU management and backroom staff, spent two hours enjoying the hospitality of Mrs McAleese on the lawns of her home during the sun-drenched reception.
Proudly showing off the silverware from the successful Grand Slam campaign, each member of the team met with the President, who also congratulated Donncha O'Callaghan on his recent engagement to long-term girlfriend Jenny Harte.
Mrs McAleese gently suggested to Tommy Bowe -- who was sporting a fresh bruise from a recent match -- that he should keep his vocal cords in touch and refrain from going into one of his trademark spontaneous singalongs.
"Beyond winning, you should all know that not only did you make us proud in what you achieved but also in the way you conducted yourselves as a team and as individuals," Mrs McAleese told the team.
"Each one of you is a superb ambassador for this whole island and for its collective character.
"There was always a generosity and modesty when you spoke; that added hugely to our shared pride in your sporting success and sportsmanship."
Brian O'Driscoll presented the president with his number 13 jersey from the final game of the series against Wales, along with some wine coasters commemorating the event.
He joked that one of the most frequently asked questions posed to him was what passed between the captain and the President when they chatted before the kick-off.
A warm welcome was also given to Ronan O'Gara, who played a vital part on the day, as well as coach Declan Kidney.
Mrs McAleese said the team reminded us of where it all begins: in the heart of the community with people who introduce youngsters to sports in schools and clubs week in, week out.
- Shane Hickey and Breda Heffernan
