Ireland's President to Visit Gaelic Park in Oak Forest

Ireland's president will pay a visit to Gaelic Park in Oak Forest next month and attend Mass there on Mother’s Day, according to a release.

It will be President Michael D. Higgins's first visit to the Irish and cultural center located at 6119 W. 147th Street, Oak Forest, on Sunday, May 11.

Higgins was born in Limerick city and raised in Co. Clare. He was the first in his family to access third level education and studied at University College Galway, the University of Manchester, and Indiana University. As a lecturer in political science and sociology in National University of Ireland, Galway, and in the United States, Michael D. Higgins was a passionate proponent for the extension of access to third level education beyond the walls of established universities. 

A desire to work more directly for equality and justice, led Michael D. Higgins to enter public life. He went on to serve as a public representative for many years and spent 25 years in Dail Eireann prior to his election as President of Ireland. On Nov. 11, 2011, he was inaugurated as the ninth President of Ireland.

Higgins is married to Sabina Higgins who studied acting in Dublin and is a founding member of the Focus Theatre. They have four children.

Higgins, with his wife Sabina will attend the venue's Mother's Day Mass on Sunday, May 11, at 10 a.m., in the Emerald Room. Following Mass, Irish breakfast will be served. Admission is $8 and all attendees will be required to be seated by 9:30 a.m. All members of the public are invited to attend this historical occasion. Please call Gaelic Park to make reservations 708-687-9323.

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