French president Emmanuel Macron with President Michael D Higgins and from left: Dr Paul Gillespie, UCD; Professor Joachim Fischer, University of Limerick; Professor Richard Kearney, Boston College; Catherine Day, former secretary general of the European Commission; and Doireann Ní Bhriain, broadcaster and journalist. Picture: Maxwells
Friday, 27 August 2021

Professor Joachim Fischer, School of Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics was among a select group of leading intellectuals and academics described "writers and thinkers" who met with President Emmanuel Macron at the special invitation of President Michael D Higgins in Áras an Uachtaráin Thursday 26th August as part of an official visit to Ireland by the French President. The group discussed Irish History in a discussion chaired by broadcaster Dioreann Ní Bhriain.

During what was described as a warm visit, Mr Macron noted in his message in the Áras an Uachtaráin guestbook that "Ireland occupies a precious place at the heart of the European dream... France is your closest neighbour within the EU and will remain a faithful friend for the future". 

Articles giving further detail can be found in the Irish Examiner & Irish Times. 

French president Emmanuel Macron with President Michael D Higgins and from left: Dr Paul Gillespie, UCD; Professor Joachim Fischer, University of Limerick; Professor Richard Kearney, Boston College; Catherine Day, former secretary general of the European Commission; and Doireann Ní Bhriain, broadcaster and journalist. Picture: Maxwells

French president Emmanuel Macron with President Michael D Higgins and from left:  Dr Paul Gillespie, UCD; Professor Joachim Fischer, University of Limerick; Professor Richard Kearney, Boston College; Catherine Day, former secretary general of the European Commission; and Doireann Ní Bhriain, broadcaster and journalist. Picture: Maxwells