BRIEF REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE CATCH CLUB MILLENNIUM DINNER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
BRIEF REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE CATCH CLUB MILLENNIUM DINNER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN TUESDAY, 14TH MARCH 2000
- Tá mé thar a bheith sásta bheith anseo libh anocht agus ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl díbh go léir, agus go háirithe do Norman Kilroy, as an chuireadh.
- It is a great pleasure to join you here this evening for this very special Millennium Dinner of the Catch Club. As the oldest club of its type in Ireland, and possibly in Europe, stretching back as it does more than three hundred years, the Hibernian Catch Club is an integral part of the heritage of old Dublin. Times have changed more than a little since the days when the singers had day jobs as Vicars Choral of Christ Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedrals and literally sang for their suppers of an evening for the merchants of Dublin. I suspect, judging by tonight, that there has been quite an improvement in both working conditions and the fare on offer since those humble beginnings, which comes as no surprise from any group that includes a strong legal representation But what has not changed is the excellence of the singing, and the deep love of music and good company, which motivates singers and members alike to continue the tradition.
- I am aware that tonight’s gathering is much larger than usual and I would like to commend the Chairman, Norman Kilroy, and the Committee members, for providing this opportunity to bring the musical talents of the Catch Club singers to such a large audience here this evening. As we mark this Millennium year, I wish the Hibernian Catch Club long life and continued success in the centuries to come.
- I greatly look forward this evening’s entertainment and I would like to thank the members and committee once again for inviting me here this evening.
- Gura fada buan sibh. Go raibh maith agaibh.