Remarks at Galwegians Rugby Football Club 90th Anniversary Dinner
Radisson Blue Hotel, Galway, 17th March 2012
A chairde go léir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for that warm welcome to an occasion I have looked forward to very much - Galwegians Rugby Football Club’s 90th Anniversary dinner. Is cúis mhór áthais dom a bheith i nGaillimh anocht ar an gcéad Lá le Pádraig dom mar Uachtarán na hÉireann.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is such a very special day for Irish people everywhere and for the tens of millions of people all over the world who are of Irish ancestry because our national day presents us with an opportunity to celebrate what it is to be Irish and highlights the richness of our heritage and culture. We all warmly welcome home those who have returned from abroad to be here tonight, from places I understand as far away as Canada. Is iontach an rud é sibh a bheith inár measc anocht – what better place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than in Galway in the company of your friends.
On a night such as tonight, it is appropriate that we look back on what has been and also to the future. In reflecting on the past it is important that we salute those people who through the years helped Galwegians to become the success this club is acknowledged to be today – one of Connacht and Ireland’s leading rugby clubs. Comghairdeachas. Congratulations to everyone who has been involved with Galwegians down through the years on their hard work and commitment.
Much of this audience will be familiar with Galwegians’ long and distinguished history dating back to the earliest days of our State, to the huge contribution to local and national rugby both on and off the field, contributing no less than six Presidents to the IRFU, a record number from any club. In June of this year, long serving Club member and the current IRFU vice-President Billy Glynn assumes the Presidency of the IRFU. I would like to wish Billy well in his role.
On the field Galwegians have produced 10 full internationals over the years, from Jimmy Joyce during wartime, through the golden era of the 1950’s up to the present day including current Connacht players Gavin Duffy and John Muldoon. In recent years, the Club has also produced many international players at ‘A’ and ‘B’ level and at all underage grades.
Galwegians Rugby Club provides a wonderful sporting outlet for the local community. This is particularly so for our young people who need sporting infrastructure to facilitate a safe, character forming and disciplined environment where values such as tolerance, self-discipline, team spirit and strength of character are demanded, practiced and promoted.
I would also like to mention Dave O’Hara, a promising young player, who died just a month ago.
I would like to thank all of the volunteers in Galwegians who have given such huge commitment to your club. You are making a vital contribution to your local community in Galway. Indeed, this type of community engagement is hugely important to what builds and shapes our society. It brings people together and promotes a sense of hope and possibility in what can be achieved.
I should of course also congratulate Connacht Rugby for their fine performances in their debut season in the Heineken Cup this year. They did all of Connacht proud and I hope that there will be many more Heineken Cup games being played in the Sportsground in the coming years.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Paul Shelly, Club Chairman, for inviting me as Guest of Honour tonight and also the Club President, Noel Leader. Thanks also to Paddy Reilly and to everyone who has been involved in organising this wonderful event. A special thanks to Billy Quinn who was the driving force behind tonight’s celebrations and who played an active part in organising this event while he was undergoing treatment for a serious illness over the past year.
Finally, I would like to wish all of the players, officials and members of Galwegians continued success both on and off the field. I wish you a very enjoyable night tonight and throughout this 90th Anniversary year.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.