President thanks SVP volunteers

President Mary McAleese has addressed some of the 5,000 members of the Saint Vincent de Paul society, to mark its 160th anniversary.

Celebrations are taking place in the RDS to thank the volunteers who have provided help to the poor and vulnerable since 1844.

The organisation started during the famine, and last year spent €33m on food, shelter and education for the disadvantaged.

Vice President, John Monaghan, says the society is as important now as ever.