Taoiseach Enda Kenny at Irish Cultural Garden October 13, 2012
The Taoiseach of Ireland, Enda Kenny along with Ambassador Michael Collins, Consul General of Ireland Aidan Cronin and others visited the Irish Cultural Garden in Cleveland.
The Taoiseach spent time mingling with the crowd and touring the Garden before the official ceremony.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny enters the Irish Cultural Garden with dignitaries including Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Ambassador Michael Collins, Consul Aidan Cronin and others
Enda Kenny, Ed Crawford and Sheila Murphy Crawford at Irish Cultural Garden in Cleveland
The Taoiseach also met with members of the band 'No Strangers Here' who entertained the crowd before and after the ceremony. (Their cover of the Saw Doctors' Green and Red of Mayo was a favorite!)
Taoiseach Enda Kenny with band No Strangers Here
The formal ceremony began with Sheila Murphy Crawford, Chief Delegate of the Irish Cultural Garden, who welcomed the crowd and explained the Cultural Gardens and the Irish Cultural Garden in particular.
Sheila Murphy Crawford
Next Cleveland City Council President Martin Sweeney spoke and introduced Ed Crawford.
Cleveland City Council President Martin Sweeney
Park-Ohio Chairman Ed Crawford was the spearhead behind the restoration of the Irish Cultural Garden. He also gave credit to Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson.
Ed Crawford
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson welcomed An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and gave him a proclamation from the City.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Taoiseach Enda Kenny
Next, Ed Crawford led PM Kenny to a tree in the Irish Cultural Garden that is being dedicated to the Taoiseach.
Temporary Plaque at the base of the tree
The Taoiseach spoke to the crowd to conclude the formal program.
Taoiseach of Ireland Enda Kenny
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Taoiseach spent considerable time posing for photos and meeting the attendees.
