REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW RESIDENTIAL HOME, BRU NA BHFIANN
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW RESIDENTIAL HOME, BRU NA BHFIANN, O.N.E.
Dia dhaoibh a chairde.
Tá lúcháir orm go bhfuair mé cuireadh bheith anseo libh inniu agus ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil libh go léir as fáilte fiorchaoin a chur romham.
My thanks to Chief Executive Officer, Joe Lynch, for his kind invitation to officially open this fine, new residential home for retired members of our Defence Forces. This is a place of comfort, ease and welcome for men and women who honoured this country in their service with our armed forces, often making themselves uncomfortable in that service, undertaking work that was far from easy and often working in less than welcoming environments. I have frequently described the
members of our Defence Forces as Ireland’s primary ambassadors, for wherever they have served abroad they have showcased the very best of the Irish. They are held in the highest regard by the United Nations and by the peoples of all the countries they have served in under the UN flag. I have seen them at work in Lebanon, Liberia and Kosovo and I have listened with pride as the local people relayed story after story of the kindness and unique, compassionate outreach they experienced from Irish soldiers. The story is the same wherever they served, from the Congo to Cyprus, from East Africa to the flat plains of Kildare, whether in the air or at sea, whether infantry or engineers, our soldiers are a credit to our country. They do the job of soldiering brilliantly not just because of their consummate professionalism but because of their deep humanity. That humanity has embraced and reassured people in many conflict situations and it is part of a culture of camaraderie through which each soldier offers friendship and support to his or her colleagues. That web of support is what helps them through the difficult days. Few people outside the services know just how vital and energising that support is and how very lonely life can be for those who retire from service and face life without it.
That is why the Organisation of National Ex-Service Men and Women is so important as a continuing bridge between ex-service men and women and that culture of camaraderie and mutual support. Through your work you could see just how tough life outside the forces could be for some. That sad reality struck home most forcefully in the winter of 1998/99 when three ex-servicemen died, alone and homeless on Dublin’s streets. You responded with heartfelt generosity and the very welcoming accommodation in Queen Street came into existence, followed by accommodation in Letterkenny last year, a residence nearly ready in Athlone and now this terrific building which has twice the capacity of Queen Street.
It took great courage to take on the huge costs incurred in providing these residences but you had a passion for the project that was matched by faith in your capacity to get the job done and so we gather today in Bru na BhFiann, thanks to this organisation’s big heart and strong spirit.
This is not simply a building but a home in the real sense of the word - a place to feel wanted, protected, needed, included. It is a place which offers dignity and respect to those who live here, a place where they can flourish in the company of friends and comrades, part of a caring community.
A great project such as this does not just happen by coincidence. It takes an immense amount of dedicated work and a lot of money. No-one contributed to this project in search of thanks or recognition but I believe all of us, as a nation, are indebted to those who make it their business to ensure that our retired servicemen and women are treated with the kindness they surely deserve. A heartfelt thank you to all who made this project a reality and whose ongoing effort will sustain it. Some did not live to see the job finished though they started it in faith and hope. We remember with sadness and gratitude Edward Gibney, your late National President and renew our sincere sympathies to his family and friends who must surely be proud this day.
This organisation of which he was a very hardworking member can reflect with huge satisfaction on what it has achieved and of the lives it has helped to transform. I thank you for your fidelity to the spirit of decency and compassion which is the hallmark of our Defence Forces and, in particular, I thank you for giving it shape, making out of it a hearth and a happy home.
I should also like to take this opportunity to extend my condolences to the family and friends of the brave young Trooper, James Dillon, who was accidentally killed so tragically in the Curragh this week. James’ family have the closest association with the Defence Forces and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this heartbreaking time. My best wishes for a quick and complete recovery go to Sgt Tom Kennedy and Trooper Nicola Nolan, who were injured in the same accident.
It gives me very great pleasure to declare the new Bru na bhFiann officially open. I wish everyone connected with it every success and happiness for the future.
Go gcúití Dia bhur saothar daoibh. Go raibh maith agaibh.