ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE MOUNTRATH TWINNING FESTIVE
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE MOUNTRATH TWINNING FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY 4 APRIL, 1998
I have been overwhelmed with the warmth of the welcome I have received everywhere that I’ve been today - and Mountrath is no exception. Indeed I am delighted with the honours rendered to me this evening by the Army Guard of Honour – coupled with the reception from the people of Mountrath – with their Twinning Chairman, Tom Ryan and “lord mayor” Dr. P.J.O’Dywer - and their guests from the French ‘twin’ town of Plouhinec – led by the Mayor, M. Jean Calude Hamon.
I am fortunate indeed to be joining you as your French guests arrive to continue the twinning of the two towns. The bonds of friendship between France and Ireland go back many generations – indeed back beyond recorded history to the age of the Celts. While we speak different languages, our own native culture and that of the Bretons have a common origin amongst the Celtic peoples – a common origin which is today a bond and a link which gives us an affinity with each another.
Since Ireland joined with her European partners in the European Union, our own Celtic culture has gone from strength to strength. It is a Union in which variety is a strength rather than an encumbrance. Differences are not denied but understood and accommodated. There is no loss of identity – of language or history. Each of us has a different story. In Europe, Ireland has found a new place – a recognition and celebration of its culture and tradition – a self-confidence won out of the respect of our fellow Europeans. Membership of the European Union has reinforced our sense of identity – and our Irishness.
Twinning with other towns in other countries facilitates an exchange of cultures – a sharing of traditions and values – a broadening of minds to accommodate ‘others’. It is an educational exercise for everyone involved – a new departure. It goes a long way towards breaking down the barriers and obstacles that can exist because of language and distance. By sharing experiences and by learning of other cultures and lifestyles, we become more accommodating to those from other places and with other values. Prejudice and intolerance are often born out of lack of knowledge and understanding. It is therefore very important - especially in this age of communication and ease of access to other countries – that should people come into contact with communities from different cultures.
Mountrath and Plouhinec already have common ground on which they can build. They are both of similar size and similar population – both have a native Celtic tongue – they share some social problems such as unemployment and migration – both are relying on tourism to boost their respective economies. So there is already a lot to share. The advantages are particularly obvious for the younger members of both towns –they are at an age of learning - and what the learn is engraved on their consciousness. They will learn to accept and appreciate a culture different to their own. And they will learn that no matter where you go in the world, there are always areas of common interest and concern – it will always be possible to find common ground.
I would like therefore, to commend the Mountrath Town Twinning Committee and the Comite de Jumelage on their success in making this link – in building a bridge between two countries – a bridge which will be used to bring our respect cultures to each other – a bridge of friendship that will endure. I congratulate everybody concerned in this new partnership and I hope that it continues to bear fruit for many generations to come. With the availability of new technology and communications facilities – such as the internet – it should be possible to extend the links between the two communities and to open up new horizons in the developing relationship.
Finally, in declaring the Twinning Festival open, I wish everybody in Mountrath – including their travel-weary visitors from Brittany – a most enjoyable week of festivities and celebrations.