Remarks by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese at the Hammersmith and Fulham Irish Centre
Remarks by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese at the Hammersmith and Fulham Irish Centre FRIDAY, 30 NOVEMBER, 2001
Tá áthas an domhain orm bheith libh inniu agus táim thar a bheith buíoch as ucht an fáilte is fiche a chuir sibh romhaim agus roimh mo fhear chéile Máirtín.
It is an absolute delight to be here today at the Irish Centre and to have had a chance to meet with so many of you. I would like to mention especially the dancers and musicians who have performed just now with such skill and poise. And of course the young artists whose creations are on display.
Touring the Centre today, it is hard not to be touched by the welcoming atmosphere, to be drawn into the family circle, a strong and proud family where the atmosphere is both invigorating and relaxing.
I was particularly struck by the exhibition on display in the foyer as I came in. The eye-catching images portray with great sensitivity the richness, diversity and humanity of the experience of the Traveller. The simple image of the kettle bubbling over the fire reminds us how every human being is drawn to a place of comfort and nurturing. That blazing fire is an invitation to those of us who live as neighbours to Traveller culture and who want to live in a society which is comfortable with all its diverse strands, to draw nearer to the hearth, accept its warm welcome, get to know those who gather round it and listen to their stories.
In any time of trouble, as we all know, the first refuge of an Irish family is a cup of tea. Those who come to the Irish Support and Advice Service always get a warm place to sit, a hot drink and a newspaper to read. In these little human comforts we find the recognition of the essential and inalienable dignity of those who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances or in need of a bit of help. It is a matter of real pride to me as President of Ireland that not only have we a long tradition of caring for the welfare of our brothers and sisters wherever we go in the world but we also have a tradition of sensitive care, of gentle embrace and that tradition is at the very heart of the work that goes on here. Time and again I have met Irish communities in Britain whose culturally perceptive and emotionally compassionate outreach to one another and to their neighbours from other traditions, other cultures, has deeply honoured the name of Ireland.
Not only have you kept the outward signs of Irish culture alive and vibrant, showcasing our music, dance, art, literature and drama but you have also showcased the value system of a people whose strongest impulse has always been egalitarian, inclusive, considerate and caring. These two dimensions, one cultural, the other welfare, go hand in hand and it is very reassuring to see how their complementarity is supported by the public authorities here in Hammersmith. I would like to express my gratitude to the representatives of the Borough, Mary Walker and Tim Stanley, and to the Worshipful Mayor for the ongoing funding of the Centre. Hammersmith and Fulham has long been a destination of Irish men and women coming to London to make new lives for themselves and their families. The contribution of Irish people to the history, development and image of this area is well known. It is simply not possible to tell the story of this part of London without also telling the stories of generations of Irish people and of Ireland itself. The tangible recognition given to that reality by the Borough is greatly appreciated by the Irish here and at home.
The Borough’s investment yields a good return in providing services which are so important to the well being and resilience of this community. Here individuals are helped to become stronger. Here community is stitched together in the painstaking way that is necessary to make neighbours of strangers, to make a community out of a random collection of human beings. I am proud to say that this is one of the best Centres of its kind in Britain and I am sure that the Borough is also justly proud of its on-going contribution to creating this haven where community is made to happen and made to work. That it works, works well and with such a warm heart is of course thanks to all the staff and volunteers who keep the Centre running on a day-to-day basis and to the Management Committee of the Irish Support and Advice Service. None of them do this work for thanks, or recognition, fame or fortune. They do it because they know that if this place was not here, if this work was not done, there would be a cold gap in many lives, an impoverishment of spirit which they believe they can remedy, they can heal.
This Centre is alive with creative, healing energy. I am grateful to you all for such a warm welcome and for allowing me to share the unique spirit of your Centre this morning.