Inspirational speech worth the wait

Schools, youth groups, and clubs came from all over Ireland on invitation from the US embassy to join Michelle Obama and her daughters for a VIP showing of Riverdance.

Na Fianna GAA club flying their bright yellow jerseys; Foróige, my home away from home; SpunOut; the local schools in Moneygall, and countless others were present.

Granted, we were a tad early — three hours before the eagle landed at The Gaiety Theatre in the city centre — but nobody can underestimate the task of herding a thousand children through airport-style security to their seats.