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25/02/2008
Anne's Croke Trip Paves Way For Queen's Irish Visit
As The Queen prepares to make a ground-breaking first visit to Co Armagh next month - to distribute Maundy money at St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral - there was intense security at the weekend when the Princess Royal took the lead with an historic visit across the border.
Princess Anne became the first ever member of the Royal Family to enter Croke Park in Dublin — the bastion of Gaelic sport.
In what may have been seen as a 'test' for a later full visit by The Queen to the Irish Republic, the Princess attended to support the ultimately unsuccessful Scottish rugby team in their Six Nations clash with Ireland.
The security was noticeably higher than last February when the English rugby team played their first match at the ground, according to observers.
However, while dissident republicans threatened protest, only 20 to 30 people gathered outside the ground in opposition to the presence of British royalty.
The Princess took her seat four places away from Irish President Mary McAleese - who would host any official visit by Queen Elizabeth as head of state - and close to Irish premier Bertie Ahern and Northern Ireland Sports Minister Edwin Poots, who also travelled to Dublin for the match.
The GAA agreed to the use of Croke Park for rugby and football internationals while the Landsdowne Road ground in Dublin is redeveloped.
Die-hard republicans opposed to all things British opposed the move - both because it meant the playing of 'English' games on the GAA pitch and visits by English teams.
Despite that, teams and their supporters have been given warm welcomes an a spokeswoman for the Irish police said there had been no trouble whatsoever during the protest.
The visit by the Princess Royal was the latest in a growing number by members of the Royal Family which bring ever closer the day when the Queen will make a first visit.
It is increasingly being talked about but no date has been set.
(BMcC)
Princess Anne became the first ever member of the Royal Family to enter Croke Park in Dublin — the bastion of Gaelic sport.
In what may have been seen as a 'test' for a later full visit by The Queen to the Irish Republic, the Princess attended to support the ultimately unsuccessful Scottish rugby team in their Six Nations clash with Ireland.
The security was noticeably higher than last February when the English rugby team played their first match at the ground, according to observers.
However, while dissident republicans threatened protest, only 20 to 30 people gathered outside the ground in opposition to the presence of British royalty.
The Princess took her seat four places away from Irish President Mary McAleese - who would host any official visit by Queen Elizabeth as head of state - and close to Irish premier Bertie Ahern and Northern Ireland Sports Minister Edwin Poots, who also travelled to Dublin for the match.
The GAA agreed to the use of Croke Park for rugby and football internationals while the Landsdowne Road ground in Dublin is redeveloped.
Die-hard republicans opposed to all things British opposed the move - both because it meant the playing of 'English' games on the GAA pitch and visits by English teams.
Despite that, teams and their supporters have been given warm welcomes an a spokeswoman for the Irish police said there had been no trouble whatsoever during the protest.
The visit by the Princess Royal was the latest in a growing number by members of the Royal Family which bring ever closer the day when the Queen will make a first visit.
It is increasingly being talked about but no date has been set.
(BMcC)
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09 February 2011
Queen's Visit To Be 'Sprung On Ireland'
This spring could see the first ever visit by The Queen to the Republic of Ireland. Discussions to set a date for the visit are underway, with the Irish Times saying that a three-day trip by Queen Elizabeth II (pictured here on a recent visit to NI by Brian McCalden) is anticipated in May this year.
Queen's Visit To Be 'Sprung On Ireland'
This spring could see the first ever visit by The Queen to the Republic of Ireland. Discussions to set a date for the visit are underway, with the Irish Times saying that a three-day trip by Queen Elizabeth II (pictured here on a recent visit to NI by Brian McCalden) is anticipated in May this year.
17 August 2009
Hopes Rise For Queen's Irish Visit
A top British diplomat has said he is "very hopeful" a Royal visit to the Irish Republic by Queen Elizabeth will come to fruition soon. Out-going UK ambassador to the Republic, David Reddaway said he expected the much-mooted trip to happen "before too long". Speaking to the Irish Times Mr Reddaway said: "I hope it'll happen soon.
Hopes Rise For Queen's Irish Visit
A top British diplomat has said he is "very hopeful" a Royal visit to the Irish Republic by Queen Elizabeth will come to fruition soon. Out-going UK ambassador to the Republic, David Reddaway said he expected the much-mooted trip to happen "before too long". Speaking to the Irish Times Mr Reddaway said: "I hope it'll happen soon.
17 May 2011
Protests Muted As Queen Remembers Rebellion
Fireworks, bottles and other missiles were thrown at the Irish police and seven people arrested this afternoon in protests against the Queen's visit.
Protests Muted As Queen Remembers Rebellion
Fireworks, bottles and other missiles were thrown at the Irish police and seven people arrested this afternoon in protests against the Queen's visit.
01 June 2005
Princess Royal arrives in NI for visit
The Princess Royal has been in Northern Ireland on Wednesday for a series of engagements. A regular visitor to the province, Princess Anne has been meeting people from community associations, charitable groups and the business world at events in counties Antrim and Down.
Princess Royal arrives in NI for visit
The Princess Royal has been in Northern Ireland on Wednesday for a series of engagements. A regular visitor to the province, Princess Anne has been meeting people from community associations, charitable groups and the business world at events in counties Antrim and Down.
08 April 2011
Fáilte For Queen's Dublin Visit
As details of the first reigning Monarch's visit to the Irish Republic emerged yesterday, polarized division has emerged. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has welcomed the planned trip by the Queen to Dublin's Croke Park, during her landmark state visit to Ireland in May.
Fáilte For Queen's Dublin Visit
As details of the first reigning Monarch's visit to the Irish Republic emerged yesterday, polarized division has emerged. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has welcomed the planned trip by the Queen to Dublin's Croke Park, during her landmark state visit to Ireland in May.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
