HUNDREDS of Mary McAleese smiles beamed up at the President when she visited Scoil Mhuire Junior in Newbridge last Tuesday.

Each child in the Ballymany School proudly wore a sticker bearing the President's face and were on their best behaviour when they met the lady in person.

The grey, drizzly day was quickly banished by the cheer and good humour that greeted President McAleese and her husband Martin on their first ever formal visit to Newbridge. The President did tell children who remarked on her Newbridge Cutlery brooch that it was a gift from a previous visit and the pupils were quick to point out teacher Mrs. Tempey Cummins had Newbridge jewellery just like it.