Remarks at the Official Opening of the Parish of Holy Trinity
Killiney’s New Parish Hall Sunday, 25th January 2015
A Ambasadóir,
A Ardeaspaig,
A Dhéin,
A Cheann Comhairle,
A Theachtaí Dála,
A Dhaoine Uaisle,
Tá áthas orm a bheith anseo libh i gCill Iníon Léinín trathnóna chun Ionad Carry, halla paróiste na Tríonóide Naofa a athoscailt go hoifigiúil.
[Ambassador,
Archbishop,
Dean,
Ceann Comhairle,
TDs,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to be here with you in Killiney this afternoon to officially reopen the Carry Centre, the Holy Trinity Parish Hall.]
One of the experiences I really enjoy as President of Ireland is the opportunity to witness and share in so many community-led projects across the country. These are always uplifting, celebratory occasions and a reminder of the importance of active participation if we wish to transform, re-imagine, restore and renew our communities.
With the assistance and solidarity of their fellow citizens I have seen vulnerable and marginalized communities realise opportunities and possibilities that would once have seemed unattainable.
It is inspiring to visit a place like this, which nurtures social contact between younger and older generations, and between citizens of all backgrounds and cultures; working to build a truly inclusive society in which all our citizens are treated with respect and enabled to make their own individual contributions. Since it was first opened in 1958 this building has been a focal point for this community.
When I look at the breadth and range of activities which will take place here in the Carry Centre I am particularly impressed by the manner in which this centre embraces all age groups – from mother and toddler groups to senior citizens – reinforcing the importance of developing and promoting more cohesive communities where younger people can benefit from the knowledge, experience and wisdom of older people; while elderly residents remain connected to, and play their part in, a modern and ever changing society.
Too often, in our contemporary world, the old and the young are set apart; occupying different places and spaces. In fact, the true story of a community is always to be found in a combination of the many individual narratives, memories and journeys of its residents and the experiences and recollections that are mutual and shared across generations.
It is especially heartening to note that the past number of years has seen an enormous increase in the number of people of all ages who are getting involved in community activity. These pro-active citizens are dedicated to making their local communities better places to live, to work and to do business in, and are always at the forefront of promoting social change in Ireland.
In our larger national narrative we have recently been through a baleful chapter whose economic and social impact on contemporary Ireland has been severe as we battled increased unemployment, reduced incomes, mortgage arrears and renewed emigration. Many of you, like members of all communities, have experienced, and continue to experience, those negative realities in your daily lives. However, time and again, as President of Ireland I have witnessed the real difference that has been made to communities through the generous pooling of talents and offering of time to bring projects such as this one to fruition.
The individual decisions that people make in giving their time and skills are really decisions to participate in shaping the future of their community. Each act of generous participation combines to form the cement that binds and unifies our society in common purpose and makes it a better place for everyone. Such participation is at the very heart of active citizenship and enriches and energises our democracy.
Our aim at all times should be to encourage and support the spirit of the community, which has done so much good work in this country and abroad. The enormous value attaching to this kind of work is something to be nurtured and cherished. Great good comes of it and it enriches and supports the lives of so many.
Is minic dom labhairt ar thábhacht sochaí a fhorbairt ina dtugtar deis do shaornaigh iniúchadh agus celiúradh a dhéanamh ar a bpoitéinsiúil agus an chuí go dtéann na deiseanna seo i gcion ar an duine agus ar an phobal iomlán le go dtiocfadh siad faoi bhláth. Mar sin, tuigeann pobal atá ag feidhmhú i gceart an tabhacht a bhaineann le lámh a shíneadh amach chuig daoine atá in am a ngátair, chun comhairle, tacaíocht agus bealach chun cinn a thairiscint dóibh.
[I often speak of the importance of developing a society where all citizens are given the opportunity to explore and celebrate their possibilities and of how these opportunities have the potential to transform individual lives and indeed entire communities. A truly functioning community, therefore, is one which understands the importance of reaching out to people in their time of need, offering support, advice and a way forward.]
I thank and commend all those who have been involved in the development of this parish hall and I wish you, and all those who avail of this valuable resource, every success in the future.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh as ucht an chuiridh a bheith libh anseo inniú agus guím gach rath agus beannacht ar bhur saothair amach anseo.
