REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT ST. MICHAEL’S CBS SUMMER CAMP ‘98 ON THURSDAY 23 JULY, 1998
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT ST. MICHAEL’S CBS SUMMER CAMP ‘98 ON THURSDAY 23 JULY, 1998
I always get a tremendous sense of occasion when I see the Artane Boys Band playing – and I have been a big fan of theirs ever since I first saw them perform in Croke Park at an All-Ireland Final. So I want to pay tribute to them this morning – and to thank them for their musical welcome. I also want to thank the Camp Chairman, Seamus O’Neill, the Board of Management under the chairmanship of Michael O’Grady and everybody associated with St. Michael’s Summer Camp for making this a special occasion – and for inviting me to be with you to see and hear about how you’ve been spending your time during the holidays. You know of course that in Ireland, winter ends in May and starts again in June – so we don’t refer to them as summer holidays anymore – just “the holidays”!
But “the holidays” – apart of course from being far too short – are always a time for fun and adventure. Whether you “summer in the country” – or, dare, I say it, “simmer in the city” – although there’s been little chance of that this year thanks to “El Nino” – the break gives you a chance to forget about schoolwork and tests. There’s a story about a teacher who was in charge of a summer camp and, giving his group a little test, said “Take 268 from 902 and what’s the difference?” – to which one of the children said “Yeah, that’s what I say, who cares anyway?”
At Summer Camp you can try your hand at things that you mightn’t get a chance to do during the rest of the year – outdoor and indoor sports and games - arts and crafts – drama - chess – computers - or something like cookery. And speaking of cookery reminds me of the story about two old bachelors who each lived alone, and who were talking in a pub one day. The chat eventually got around to cooking and cookery – and one says to the other, “I got a present of a cookery book once, but I really couldn’t to a thing with it”. “I suppose it’s all those funny ways of doing things”, says his friend. “Your dead right! I just couldn’t believe it, every recipe in the book began with ‘take a clean plate’ – and I can tell, that was enough for me”.
Whatever your particular favourite is - there is literally something for everybody here at the Summer Camp – and I want to pay tribute to Seamus O’Neill - the many supporters and helpers who have worked to make it another great success this year. They have all done a really excellent job and deserve our thanks. For parents, it is especially important that they know their children are in good company – that they are in a safe environment – and in professional and caring hands – such as you have here in St. Michael’s. Indeed, the level of support from parents for the Summer Camp is a clear reflection of their faith and confidence in the organisers to meet that criteria – and an endorsement of the comprehensive programme of activities that their children take part in.
There were no summer camps when I was at school. Those of us who very were lucky, and had the advantage of having country cousins, could spend weeks and weeks in the country, out of harm’s way – much to the delight of our parents – and up to all sorts of mischief. Today of course, things can be a lot different - with fewer country relatives – and different pressures on everybody. Somebody said that you have to be a contortionist to get by these days – keeping your back to the wall; your ear to the ground; your shoulder to the wheel; your nose to the grindstone; a level head; both feet on the ground; and your head in the clouds to look for the silver linings. It is any wonder that we have summer camps!
Looking around at the projects and activities that you are involved in, and seeing the results of your efforts – I can see that it has been worth all your whiles coming here. I hope that you will continue to enjoy yourselves at the Camp – and that you have an excellent holiday before returning to school in September - to continue with your education – and maybe even to work out the difference between 268 and 902!
ENDS