Few dignitaries are called on to address a joint sitting of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Even fewer do so twice.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky becomes only the second person ever to be accorded such an honour.
He follows in the footsteps of former president Mary Robinson.
But the context could not be more different.
Mr Zelensky is a wartime leader waging an existential fight for survival for his country.
And the timing of his trip to Ireland is remarkable, coinciding with a pivotal moment in the grinding peace talks, with global focus on whether a deal might be possible.
Mr Zelensky brought his message of courage, steadfastness and accountability to Leinster House.
He couched his speech in the global battle to win over hearts and find friends around the world to stand with his beleaguered nation.
And he expressed gratitude for the support of Ireland's Government and the Irish people.
But this message contained an entreaty to stay the course as the war continues to grind on.
He spoke of fatigue and "fleeting attention" but he added that the Irish voice had "not turned quieter".
Allied to that was the appeal for accountability and to not let Russia off the hook.
"Russian aggressors cannot travel the world as if they have done nothing."
And he struck a hopeful tone saying Ukraine was "closer to peace than ever".
Watch: Zelensky thanks Ireland for not 'losing faith' in Ukraine
But he also spoke of key Ukrainian asks - the continuation of sanctions against Russia and funding for rebuilding after the war.
That thorny issue was also high on the agenda at the press conference at Government Buildings where Taoiseach Micheál Martin cited the "enormity of the question of who pays for reconstruction".
But the view of the Government was unequivocal - there should be a collateral loan on the back of immobilised Russian assets according to Mr Martin.
Back in Leinster House, Mr Zelensky's address received a rapturous reception with a standing ovation and prolonged clapping.
Mr Zelensky was besieged by TDs and senators as he exited all wishing to shake his hand.
One contrary note was struck by People Before Profit.
The party issued a statement beginning with solidarity with Ukraine on what it called "Putin’s brutal invasion".
But it added that it had always rejected the idea of a military solution to this conflict and had opposed calls for military escalation.
Some thorny questions also surfaced at the press conference on the aftermath of the war when Temporary Protection runs out as well as the ongoing reductions in benefits given to Ukrainians in Ireland.
Both the Taoiseach and Mr Zelensky glossed over the question, stressing the valuable supports given by Ireland.
Today was clearly a day to stress the positive relationship between the two countries with the domestic political agenda on the back burner.
