McAleese recollects tragedy on wedding day

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese gave her final keynote speech last night, praising Liberator Daniel O’Connell and speaking about dramatic and personal events surrounding her wedding day.

The outgoing president described how two of her dearest friends were murdered in a sectarian attack the day she married her husband Martin.

The grief stuck with them during their honeymoon trip to Kerry, which included a visit to O’Connell’s old home.