On The Town:Caitlin Connolly realised this week that being the centre of media attention is not all glamour and glitz, as she struck a number of different poses for the photographers who came along to the opening of The Butterfly Effect.
The retrospective exhibition, showcasing some of the work arising out of the Ark's community arts project, Arklink, involving the children of Fatima Mansions, was opened by President MrsMcAleese.
Caitlin, who stood proudly beside the hat she had created, seemed unfazed by the presence of the head of State - and, apparently, this was not their first meeting.
She and the President exchanged opinions on Philip Treacy's exhibition, which was the inspiration for the hat-designing project.
Caitlin's mum, Caroline Keeley, and her brother, Christopher Connolly, were also at the opening.
"They love it, " explained Keeley. "They do loads of stuff; every Saturday morning there's something for them to do."
"It was important to mark what has been done in the past six years," said John Whyte, of the Fatima Regeneration Board.
"It has been a bit of a journey, not just for the children, but for the families too," said Joe O'Donoghue, of the Fatima Residents Group.
"But it's been hugely valuable in terms of the children's self-confidence and self-esteem."
Jim Culleton, director of Fishamble Theatre Company, CoisCéim chairman Charlie O'Neill, RTÉ commissioning editor for young people's programmes Sheila de Courcy, and chairwoman of the Arts Council Olive Braidenwere among those at the exhibition.
, director of Fishamble Theatre Company, CoisCéim chairman Charlie O'Neill, RTÉ commissioning editor for young people's programmes Sheila de Courcy, and chairwoman of the Arts Council Olive Braidenwere among those at the exhibition."Are we all not dead proud of our young artists?" the President asked the packed auditorium, which responded with loud whoops and yells of agreement. The younger members of the audience became fully involved in the President's speech, prompting adults to speculate about a possible future career in child entertainment for the head of State.
"I would like Philip Treacy to be participating today. Philip Treacy should be brought to this exhibition, shouldn't he?" suggested the President.
Being the subject of such a presidential recommendation, perhaps the Galway milliner should make the Ark his first port of call next time he's in town.