2,000 specially invited guests gave Queen Elizabeth II a five minute standing ovation last night at a special concert in Dublin to mark her historic visit to Ireland.
The 45 minute event, which took place at the National Convention Centre, was planned by the British Embassy and so was hosted by the Queen herself. It featured a wide variety of Irish acts including Westlife, X Factor star Mary Byrne and The Chieftains.
Schoolchildren from north and south of the border performed Danny Boy while a rendition of Sean Ó Riada’s 'Mna Na hEireann' paid tribute to the Queen and President Mary McAleese.
Composer Brian Byrne composed a special fanfare for the Queen which was performed last night by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra while Riverdance also took to the stage.
President Mary McAlese and Queen Elizabeth II at last night's event
The Queen meets X Factor star Mary Byrne
Among the invited guests at the event were people from all walks of Irish life including politicians Joan Burton, James O’Reilly, Shane Ross and Eamon Gilmore. The former Taoiseach John Bruton and former President Mary Robinson also attended. From the world of showbiz former Late Late Show host Gay Byrne was there as well as the X Factor’s Louis Walsh and TV presenter Gráinne Seoige. Businessman Denis O’Brien attended as did athlete Derval O’Rourke.
The Queen meets athlete Derval O'Rourke
Tribute was also paid at the event last night by Olivia O’Leary to the former Taoiseach Dr Garrett Fitzgerald who died yesterday.
The Queen meets journliast Mary Kenny, RTÉ Director General Noel Curran and Lorainne Keane
Gráinne Seogie and stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick
Louis Walsh was there but no Jedward
Senator David Norris seems thrilled to be attending
The Queen complete her four-day visit later today.
