Following an Ecumenical service at The Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre Portahard Church in Frenchpark yesterday morning, Celebrants Bishop Christopher Jones and Reverend Dereck Swan laid a wreath on the grave of Roscommon native Dr Douglas Hyde the first President of Ireland.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Roscommon Cllr Tom Crosby, staff members of Roscommon County Council and representatives of Roscommon Associations from the USA, UK and Ireland who attended the Roscommon International Reunion at different venues over the last 10 days.

Mayor Crosby in his address thanked all the representatives from New York, Boston, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin and Galway for attending the various event over the last 10 days which were a great success, which included a Forum in Castlecoote House where planning and preparations were discussed for the forthcoming major National event The Gathering 2013 where it is expected that the Irish Diaspra from the four corners of the World will come to visit Ireland and Roscommon throughout next year.

Mayor Crosby paid a very special tribute to Bishop Christopher Jones for his great work in working with our exiles over many years. The Mayor also thanked Tommy Ryan, Director of Services at Roscommon County Council and his staff for the very professional way they organized the various events over the last ten days.