Stella O'Brien and her friend Catherine Gorman travelled from Tallaght for the opening night of The Government Inspectorin the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, on Wednesday. Stella was there to see her son Ciarán O'Brien's performance as Khlestakov.
They spotted President Michael D Higgins in the foyer before the show and asked former chief justice Bryan McMahon to take a picture of the three of them. He took the snap on Stella’s iPhone.
The Abbey’s director, Senator Fiach Mac Conghail, officially welcomed the President, while Fiach’s mother, genealogist Máire Mac Conghail, chatted with Mr Higgins and his wife Sabina, who was wearing a suit designed by Paddy Campbell.
Then Sabina Higgins had a word with Olive Braiden, chairman of the National Gallery of Ireland, and Olivia O’Leary, who wished her luck in her new role.
Pat Kenny and his wife Kathy were in talking to musician Jim O’Doherty, whose son Mark played Bobchinksy, as Don Wycherley, who plays the Mayor, chatted to the President.
Who we spottedMusicians Mike Scott and Glen Hansard; designer Peter O'Brien; RTÉ's Anne Cassin; songwriter Paul Brady; Roddy Doyle, who adapted the play for the Irish stage
What we heardSenator David Norris saying "I'll leave you to your fans" to President Higgins.
