Visit of the Belgian Ambassador

H E Ambassador Robert Devriese of Belgium
makes a courtesy visit to Maynooth College

On Tuesday 9th February 2010, His Excellency, Ambassador Robert Devriese visited Maynooth College. It was not his first visit, having attended the Carol Services in the last two years.

Following a meeting with the President, Monsignor Hugh Connolly, the Ambassador also visited with Professor John Hughes, President of NUI Maynooth in Riverstown Lodge.

From there, he visited the Russell Library, and showed a great interest in the map collection. Being fluent in Dutch and French, his special interest was sparked by some the the Belgian and Dutch publications from the 17th century. Ms Penny Woods showed him one of the treasures of the Library by Aodh Mac Aingil, Scathán Shacramuinte na hAithridhe (1618), one of the earliest books printed in Irish, produced by the Irish Franciscans on their printing press in Louvain.

The ambassador remained for lunch with Monsignor Connolly and Dominic McNamara.


Mr Donal McMahon, H E Ambassador Robert Devriese of Belgium, Monsignor Hugh Connolly, President of Saint Patrick's College and Dr Michael O'Dwyer at the President's Arch of Maynooth College.