Remarks by President McAleese at Bloom 2011
Phoenix Park, Dublin, Monday, 6th June, 2011
Tá an-áthas orm bheith anseo libh inniu ar an ócáid mhór seo. Ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl daoibh as an gcuireadh agus as fáilte a bhí caoin, cneasta agus croíúil.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Normally I am here for the opening of Bloom but since variety is the spice of life I am here for the closing - and what a phenomenal festival it has been- and how sad it is to have to wait another year for Bloom 2012. The Phoenix Park has been buzzing throughout this weekend and the weather committee definitely pulled off a major coup with these days of sunshine which allowed the visitors to revel in the sheer wonder, joy and beauty of this spectacular event.
Bloom has become the event that marks the beginning of Summer. It is still only in its fifth year but already it has an army of tens of thousands of camp followers and admirers for whom this weekend in the June calendar is and is always going to be Bloom weekend, firmly embedded in our annual social calendar. They come as an exhibitor or as enthralled spectators and just when you believe it cannot get better it surprises and thrills with even more dazzling displays of beautiful gardens crafts, food and horticulture which remind us of the genius and talent all around us and send us home so proud to be Irish.
There is a saying that ‘one who plants a garden plants happiness. ’ Bloom has given us unquantifiable happiness and for those who make their own gardens bloom all year round there is everyday the enjoyment of the fruits of that partnership between nature’s bounty and human nature’s hard work.
Nature is a great teacher and one worth observing through these tough economic times for after even the harshest winter there is a spring to look forward to. Like those hardy annuals that continue to thrive no matter what the weather, we are a feisty people, adaptable, resilient and determined. Our spirit is at work in homes and communities, in clubs and societies every single day all over the country and it has been showcased magnificently here at Bloom. This show only happened because people made it happen and made it happen because they are passionate about our country, our food, our environment, our crafts, our horticulture, our artistry and our talent.
I would like to congratulate everyone involved with this festival. I thank the organisers, the sponsors, the exhibitors and all the many people who have given of their time, energy and talents to make Bloom such a success. Once again you have managed to take me by surprise with the breathtaking beauty and impressive creativity on display here today.
Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir.