A knight is about to be created; a ceremony is about to begin. It is a special event. A warm welcome is extended to those who arrive at the Residence de France on Ailesbury Road for the presentation of the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres to former director of the Dublin Theatre Festival, Tony ╙ Dβlaigh.
The French ambassador, Gabriel de Bellescize, pays tribute to "an exceptional personality in Ireland". He recounts how the brilliant arts manager has been involved in artistic life in Ireland since the early 1960s.
The award was created in 1957 by the French Ministry of Culture to honour artists and professionals who have rendered outstanding service to France. Other Irish people honoured in this way include Van Morrison, Neil Jordan, Louis le Brocquy and John O'Conor.
Friends, family and neighbours are present to witness the official pinning on of the medal. ╙ Dβlaigh's wife, Margaret, is here along with sons Ruaidhr∅ ╙ Dβlaigh and Cormac ╙ Dβlaigh (and his partner Natalie Pinkerton), and eldest daughter Eimhear ╙ Dβlaigh, with her husband, David Pulford, who is a chef in the Four Seasons.
Daughter number two, Aoife ╙ Dβlaigh, who is in Los Angeles studying make-up, is unable to attend.
Neighbours Joe and Josie Keran and Bob and Alice Lee are also present at the event.
Ali Curran, director of the Dublin Fringe Festival, Teerth Chungh and Madeline Boughton from the new Blanchardstown arts centre, Drao∅cht, and Tammy Dillon, general manager of Temple Bar Properties, are poised and ready to sing ╙ Dβlaigh's praises all night long. But another ceremony awaits...