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Remarks at a ‘Thank You’ Reception’ for Bridge Builders

Áras an Uachtaráin, 7th November 2011

Dia dhiabh go léir a chairde agus fáilte inniu chuig Áras an Uachtaráin. Good afternoon everybody, I am very happy to greet you all with the traditional welcome of the house - ‘céad míle failte’, a hundred thousand welcomes.

I can’t count the many times over the course of my presidency, the last 14 years, I have been privileged to meet men and women from all walks of life whose energy, enthusiasm and sheer generosity of spirit have brightened and lightened a dark day. Two spheres are represented here in particular, the world of the arts and the world of sport. Both are expressed in a huge range of different ways for this island is endowed with deep wells of artistic and sporting culture that are replenished generously in every generation. Each one of you has given us fun, excitement, entertainment, pride, insight, fulfilment – filling up our lives with things that lift the heart, that connect us to one another so profoundly, that draw us deep into our cultural identity and open our minds to other worlds, other wonders.

The importance of sport in the McAleese household can be gauged from a comment - more like a hearfelt plea I heard from Martin one drab January morning when we awoke to hear on the 7 o’clock news a litany of depressing economic stories -  “Dear God” he said “ would the Championship ever start…”

In every sporting code, those with mass followings and those with small but faithful followers Ireland abounds in enthusiasm, skill, commitment and a culture of volunteering second to none. We have a litany of heroes and heroines to inspire us and unbreakable dates with destiny. I remember back in 2002 I was in Egypt on an official visit and the then President asked me to stay in Cairo that Saturday night to enjoy his hospitality. I had to tell him even if  Omar Sharif my favourite film star, himself was on the guest list, I had to go home as the following day was the most important day in the Irish calendar – the All Ireland final! He seemed to understand!

In every form that the arts can take Ireland has its first class exponents and they have earned so much respect for Ireland and interest in Ireland all over the world. Poets and writers, dancers, actors, cooks and musicians, artists in every medium old and new, from photographers  to portrait painters to digital animation to  landscape gardeners, each new generation both at home and abroad stamps its unique imprint on Ireland’s vast artistic landscape. They open hearts to us and doors to us all over the world and they allow us to feel pride, hope and self-confidence in this competitive old world where the small so often are in danger of being overlooked but not this small nation.

Behind all our sports-people, artists, commentators, media specialists there are legions of followers, spectators, facilitators, readers, audiences, cheerleaders, teachers, coaches, jersey washers, tea-makers, set movers, organisers, fundraisers whose less glamorous involvement is the bedrock of our sporting and artistic life.  They mostly do what they do for love and they deserve a lot of thanks.

This reception is a small thank you to big-hearted people whose lives fill our lives with great drama and passion. Today is for you to enjoy the house, the food the company.  So many of you have generously shared your talent here with me and with guests in the Áras or have given me some of the most remarkable days of my Presidency – for that – I thank you.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.