The President has praised the Community Spirit of the people of Clare and complimented the work of the emergency services and voluntary agencies following the recent flooding crisis.
Mary McAleese visited Ennis this afternoon, following an earlier stop in Gort, and took time to meet with people affected by the floods in South East Clare and Ennis as well as those who were part of the major flood relief effort.
Addressing the large crowds including Gardaí, Civil Defence personnel and Council staff, President McAleese said the recent negative forces of nature were met with an extraordinary flood of human goodness and hope.
And she expressed confidence that the same community spirit or "meitheal" will continue to help people rebuild their lives in the New Year.