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REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN LOCKE’S DISTILLERY

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN LOCKE’S DISTILLERY MUSEUM, KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEAT

Firstly, let me say how delighted I am with the very warm reception I have been given here at Locke’s this afternoon – and how impressed I have been with the enhancements that have been made to the exhibition over the last while. I suppose it’s only fitting that the reception in a distillery should be warm – with all that talk of whiskey and stills. But I have been looking forward to the opportunity to visit the museum - especially since I was present when the project won its category in the AIB Better Ireland Awards in January of this year – and received a total of £25,000 in prize money. The work that has been ongoing since 1982 has certainly paid off – and I understand that last year there were 32,000 visitors to the Museum – making it the most popular toutist attraction in Co. Westmeath.

- When you look at the story of Locke’s – at the artefacts and memorabilia on display – at the family history and the local lore – you get a good picture of the life of Kilbeggan and its people over the last two hundred years or so – and of the changing fortunes of the country that were to affect the operations of Lockes. The once strong influence that the distillery had on the town – and there’s no pun intended! – where many of the houses were ‘distillery houses’ - and many people from the surrounding area worked or traded here - faded from the early years of the century, when the demand for whiskey seems to have fallen away. Indeed that fall in demand was due in a significant way to the depressions in American and Europe especially in the inter-war years. When something as essential as this dies the impact it has on the community is profound – and Kilbeggan lost its significance as a result of the decline of Lockes. Happily, that is now reversed – and Locke’s has taken on a new life – and a new purpose – because of the people of Kilbeggan – who wisely decided that it was time for the distillery to work for them.

- Today we see the result of that community effort – an effort that has involved many people giving of their time and resources – and enlisting the help of people like FÁS – the Heritage Council – LEADER – the Westmeath County Enterprise Board – ERDF, - the Irish American Fund – and the many people and organisations who have supported the project. And I know that the AIB Better Ireland Award which you won for 1997 has been a very welcome boost to your resources.

- Locke’s today is a shining example of what a community can do through partnerships with like minded people – and with those who can offer support and assistance. That spirit of partnership – is mirrored in many cities, towns and villages throughout Ireland. Indeed, a major factor in Ireland’s great economic and social success stems from the partnership approach - which is a feature in so many areas of life. But of course there’s nothing new in this – it always has been a feature of Irish life for neighbour to help neighbour - and friend to help friend - especially when an extra pair of hands were needed. Nowadays not only are “willing hands” welcome, but also open and creative minds with new ideas, to help and support communities as they come together to harness their strengths and talents for the good of all, such as in the support of local development initiatives. There is a new spirit in Ireland – a self-confidence in our abilities – a “can do” philosophy – which is bringing us to new levels of achievement.

- I want to pay tribute to the Management Committee and to the people of Kilbeggan on this great success – and to Gerry Watters – from Belfast – who helped with the design of the project. It is an example to many other communities on how they can turn a story of decline and decay into one of prosperity and progress. You have given the distillery and the town a new lease of life and a new purpose. You can be justly proud of what you have achieved.

- In declaring the new exhibition area open – I want to wish you well with your future work at Locke’s - and indeed in the community of Kilbeggan.