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Minister of State Brian Hayes TD and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers MP were at the Battle of the Boyne site at Oldbridge in County Meath this afternoon to open an exhibition of photographs and multimedia commemorating the 2011 State visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh to Ireland.

Speaking at the opening Minister Hayes said: “Last year’s historic visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness Prince Philip was a tremendous success, and warmly welcomed throughout the Country. The visit reflected the shared history between Ireland and the UK and was an acknowledgement of our close relationship on many levels; historic, social, economic, and political. We in the OPW felt that it was important to mark the occasion of the visit with a special exhibition which captured these magical moments. The Exhibition commenced in the Chapel Royal in Dublin Castle on the ‘anniversary’ of HM’s visit in May of this year. I had the honour to perform the opening ceremony that day with the UK Ambassador, His Excellency Dominick Chilcott. Over 12,000 people visited the display at this venue alone. Since then, the Exhibition has travelled to several prestigious venues throughout Ireland, including: Kilkenny Castle; Cashel, Co Tipperary; John F. Kennedy Park, Co Wexford; Charles Fort Kinsale, Co Cork and from today, here at the historic Battle of the Boyne site in Oldbridge, Co Meath.”

Secretary of State Villiers, in her speech, said: “I am delighted today to join Minister Brian Hayes in co-launching this wonderful exhibition in honour of the Queen’s visit to Ireland last year, which proved a momentous occasion for all. I congratulate the Minister and all concerned on the magnificent display today which so aptly depicts Her Majesty’s visit last year. This site is of huge significance to all the people of Ireland, north and south, in respect of our shared heritage. It is entirely fitting that the year long exhibition closes at the Boyne Valley Visitors’ Centre. I would encourage as many people as possible to avail of this wonderful opportunity in the coming weeks and to enjoy all that the site has to offer.”

Ends…

Notes for editors:-

The Exhibition comprises large-scale photographic montages of six of the locations visited by HM and HRH in May last year. These include:

Áras and Uachtaráin

Garden of Remembrance

War Memorial Gardens

Dublin Castle

Farmleigh, Phoenix Park

The Rock of Cashel

- Additionally, some artefacts/memorabilia are on display together with a large-screen film presentation of the highlights of the visit.

- The Exhibition will run from 7th November to 2nd December from 9am to 5pm.

- Admission is free to the public.

· For further information or if you wish to interview Minister of State Hayes please contact Kevin Kennedy, OPW Press Office at 01 6476159, 087 9303888 or kevin.kennedy@opw.ie