REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE 2006 CIVIC MERIT AWARDS DUBLIN CASTLE FRIDAY, 29TH SEPTEMBER
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE 2006 CIVIC MERIT AWARDS DUBLIN CASTLE FRIDAY, 29TH SEPTEMBER, 2006
Tá áthas orm bheith anseo libh trathnóna ar an ócáid speisialta seo.
Hello everybody,
Some of my best days as President have been at Gaisce functions. This is where the strength, courage, ingenuity and goodness of Ireland’s people reveal themselves in ways that will, regrettably, rarely make the national news, but which steadily build up the core strength of our nation, the core values of our nation and the spirit of our people. The President’s Award as this audience knows focuses on challenging our young people to an exploration of their own, and the world’s, possibilities. It is a challenge that opens up to them a kaleidoscope of experiences and insights which they would never have encountered without Gaisce. And we would not have Gaisce without the PALS whom we honour today in this special ceremony with the conferring of Civic Merit Awards.
This year marks Gaisce’s 21st anniversary, its coming of age. It has been a phenomenal, island‑wide success story. We only have to look at its growth from a few hundred participants to today when tens of thousands are involved, and no other country in the world, where sister schemes operate, has the level of participation we experience in Ireland. There is nothing more tragic than a life that does not achieve its potential or a human being who never sees their talents blossom. The agenda of this organisation is to instil in our young people a can‑do, will‑do attitude, a curiosity about how best to cope with their strengths and weaknesses, a willingness to be tested and tried, to move out of comfort zones, to make a contribution to their communities and their country, to make them copers, problem-solvers, the kind of people whose self‑reliance and generosity of spirit, builds good societies. It’s a tough agenda for a young man or woman but with the mentoring, support and encouragement from the PALS we see them proudly wear their bronze, silver and gold year in and year out – a badge of real achievement, a badge of honour. And when they receive those badges, the PALS stand in the background, or in for a photo, proud and fulfilled. They ask for nothing more, but we should acknowledge their work, for it is an investment in Ireland’s future through their empowerment of our young people. Our PALS, in turn, are often supported by the organisations they work for, whether schools, businesses, Defence Forces or Garda Siochána, I offer all of those affirming a huge thank‑you.
In this anniversary year, I would like to warmly acknowledge the hard work by the Council of the President’s Award, under the chairmanship of Dr. Laurence Crowley, for its dedication to the development of the Award and I would also like to particularly thank the Award staff team, so ably led by its outgoing Chief Executive, John Murphy. John’s tenure at the helm of the Award goes back to its foundation. He will be retiring soon as CEO but he has said that he won’t be saying goodbye altogether but will stay involved with Gaisce as a PAL. That is the very best of news. I would like to take this opportunity to thank John for his dedication and absolute commitment to the Award over the years and to wish him every success in the future – he leaves the organisation in very good shape to his successor ‘Barney’ Callaghan whom, I know, will continue the good work.
The Civic Merit Award is not gained easily. A minimum of five years active involvement as President’s Award Leaders demonstrates great determination and commitment. Most Award Leaders have full-time jobs and busy lives but they value the opportunity to help develop our young people. I would like, particularly, to complement the Award Leaders on their sensitivity to the needs of the young people. Because the President’s Award is a genuine trial, a real challenge which might reveal unsuspected vulnerabilities, the welfare and protection of the young person is a paramount consideration for everyone involved in the Award programme. I am always impressed by the ability of the Award Leaders not only to guard the physical safety of the young people but also to develop a positive attitude among young people that respects the personal space, safety and privacy of their peers.
That is why, today, we honour the work done by the countless number of caring PALs who have worked tirelessly to help our young people. You have touched the lives of many young people who will testify to the value and benefit of your involvement with them. They are immeasurably enriched by the skills they learn and this is something that remains with them all their lives. It is truly a labour of love. Today is simply about saying ‘Thank you’. Your work has made Ireland a better place for all of us.
Today is a day of celebration but it is also a day where you can come together and, I hope, have a chance to meet others from different parts of Ireland, meet new colleagues and make new friends. For myself, I am looking forward to meeting each of you in a few moments when I am presenting the certificates.
Comhgairdeas libh go léir inniu agus go raibh míle maith agaibh.