Address by President Connolly at the launch of the Spirit of Shackleton
Dún Laoghaire, 15 May 2026
A Chairde Uaisle,
Tá an-áthas orm a bheith i bhur comhluadar anseo i gCalafort an Ghuail, i nDún Laoghaire agus árthach nua ‘Spirit of Shackleton’ á sheoladh go hoifigiúil. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil le Naomh McElhatton agus Enda O’Coineen as ucht an chuiridh a bheith anseo libh inniu.
It is a privilege to be here as the 10th President of Ireland as we formally launch the ‘Spirit of Shackleton’, a 70-foot sail training vessel built to the highest standards and dedicated to youth leadership, science, exploration and adventure. She is named in honour of Sir Ernest Shackleton, born in Athy, Co. Kildare, and of course, whose granddaughter The Hon. Alexandra Shackleton, is with us today. You are very welcome. Céad míle fáilte.
Today is a joyful celebration. This beautiful boat will now be dedicated to teaching the next generation of ocean voyagers the necessary life skills required for sustainable living on both land and sea. Its name, indeed, evokes the characteristics of the legendary explorer - resilience, endurance, courage, leadership in extreme adversity, but above all, his care and compassion for his crew.
Initially sailing in Irish, UK and European waters, the crew, which will include up to 12 intrepid youths, will embark on a commemorative expedition to the South Atlantic and Antarctica. It is important of course to acknowledge the work of the North-South charity Atlantic Youth Trust who has worked in partnership with the Atlantic Shackleton Global Foundation on this project. In providing opportunities for young people to experience the wonder and power of the open ocean, you are drawing from our rich heritage as an island nation.
Tá Oileán na hÉireann múnlaithe agus faoi thionchar ag na huiscí éagsúla, idir mhuir agus aigéan, atá mórthimpeall orainn agus na haibhneacha agus locha atá ar fud na tíre.
Tá na huiscí sin mar chuid lárnach dúinn mar dhaoine agus mar chultúr, fite fuaite inár gcroíthe agus inár n-anam.
As an island nation, we are inextricably linked to the sea. It has been a source of livelihood for so many people, as well providing routes for transport and commerce. The sea has served as a way out of Ireland when we could not take care of our people.
Bhain agus baineann go leor daoine pléisiúr, sásamh agus tairbhe as caitheamh aimsire ar na huiscí céanna.
As a Galway woman I think in particular of the Hookers in Conamara and Galway that have served a myriad of purposes – fishing, trade, and most recently, as a pastime.
Is fíor a rá go bhfuil an caidreamh atá againn lenár n-uiscí casta agus domhain.
Ní féidir beag a dhéanamh riamh as an gcruatan a bhaineann le bheith ag saothrú ar an bhfarraige. Ní féidir éinne a cailleadh go tragóideach a ligean i ndearmad.
Caithfear meas agus ómós a léiriú do uiscí an oileáin seo agus uiscí an domhain mhóir.
That respect and deference and sense of awe for our seas and oceans is fundamental to any steps we take to address the existential threat posed by climate change. With a marine territory of over 880,000 square kilometres, which the Marine Institute calculates at over ten times the size of Ireland’s landmass, our country is well-placed to lead on the protection of our oceans. In this regard I look forward to the promised expansion and effective management of our Marine Protected Areas.
Ba mhaith liom tréaslú le gach duine atá bainteach leis an togra iontach seo agus chuile rath a ghuí oraibh agus sibh i mbun bhur gcuid eachtraíochta.
Go raibh an ghaoth i gcónaí taobh thiar daoibh agus go seolfaidh sibh ar mhuir chiúin.
Go dtuga Spiorad Shackleton sonas agus séan do chuile dhuine a sheolann inti.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.