THE PRESIDENT of Ireland has expressed his gratitude after receiving thousands of letters and artwork from talented children across the country.
President Michael D Higgins said he was "deeply touched" to have received so many messages of love and support from people of all ages from all around the country.
A spokesperson for Mr Higgins shared just some of the collection of artwork, postcards and letters he had received in recent days on the President's official social media page, and said that since the Covid-19 pandemic the volume of messages he has received has "increased enormously".
President of Ireland / FacebookThe President was sent messages and artwork "from children, parents and people of all ages and circumstances", and said "they have given a great and diverse picture of the response to Covid-19".
The photographs posted to President Higgin's social media page shows just "a small selection of the messages received, laid out on the large dining table in the State Dining Room".
"This is the table around which the members of the first government of the Irish Free State sat for their first meeting."
President of Ireland / FacebookMany of the letters pictured shows messages of well-wishes to the President for his birthday-- the Head of State turned 79 last month, 18 April.
The President, who is himself a poet, has always encouraged the people of Ireland to explore their creative side, so it is no wonder he was so deeply touched by the messages he received, many of which contained portraits and cartoons-- including one of his beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bród and Síoda.
President of Ireland / FacebookIn April, President Higgins sent a praise-filled letter to a Sligo man who had rediscovered his passion and talent for art while under lockdown after a 14-year break from drawing.
Shane Gillen had begun sketching incredibly detailed portraits of Irish public figures, and as his work went viral he received a letter from the President himself, stating "I am very grateful to citizens like you who use your talent and skills to bring light and joy into the lives of others as we undertake together this unprecedented journey".
If you would like to send a message of piece of artwork to President Higgins, you can do so at the following address:
Áras an Uachtaráin,
Phoenix Park,
Dublin 8
D08 E1W3
Ireland
