SINN FÉIN opted for a novel ardfheis opening night function with a special Mastermind contest in Killarney.

Delegates were invited to attend this special quiz after the formalities in the Gleneagle Hotel. For a €5 cover charge, they could watch deputy Martin Ferris, Senators Kathryn Reilly and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh and party chairman Declan Kearney battle it out in the Mastermind chair.

Asking the questions was Northern Ireland’s Minister of Arts and Culture, Caral “Magnusson” Ní Chuilin. We aren’t sure if the quartet was quizzed on its specialist subjects, but Ferris would have been hard to beat on maritime affairs.

The day got off to a happy start with news that Meath TD Peadar Tóibín, who had been due to open the debate on political reform, would not be in attendance as his wife Deirdre had just given birth to a baby boy.

Meanwhile, a familiar face surfaced among the hacks as they waited for Gerry Adams to arrive for a doorstep interview. It was none other than Celia Larkin. We’re not sure what publication she was representing, but can hazard a guess . . .