On Thursday the 28th of May, Derek Byrne, The O’Byrne of Downes, was presented to President Michael D. Higgins at the Aras in Phoenix Park as part of a delegation from Clans of Ireland.

The President met with the delegation as Patron of Clans of Ireland to celebrate 25 years since the forming of the organisation.

Derek Byrne was present in his capacity as Administrator of Clan Dixon of Meath and was accompanied by his cousin Michael Dixon, Chief of Clan Dixon of Meath and his wife, Marian Dixon (nee Duffy).