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![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](/sites/default/files/styles/max_content/public/artsoc/2621126_5_articlelarge_NO_20FEE_20ARAS_20PRES_20MACRON_20VISIT_20MX-27.jpg?itok=qz_AoGp5)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/artsoc/2621126_5_articlelarge_NO_20FEE_20ARAS_20PRES_20MACRON_20VISIT_20MX-27.jpg?itok=q1vsJ-R2)
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
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