REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE DURING HER VISIT TO THE COPE FOUNDATION
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE DURING HER VISIT TO THE COPE FOUNDATION, KANTURK, COUNTY CORK ON TUESDAY 7 JULY, 1998
I’d like to thank everyone here for the very warm welcome you’ve given me today. I am very grateful indeed to Helen Healy for giving me this opportunity to visit the Cope centre in Kanturk – to meet the residents – to see the facilities – and to meet the members of the community in which this centre plays such a large role – and which has embraced the residents and staff as very much a part of their own community.
The philosophy of the Cope Foundation is to allow and encourage residents of their centres to live as close as possible to the communities from which they originally came. The residents here at Kanturk are all from the North Cork area – and since 1995 when this centre opened – they have been accommodated close to their own families and communities.
But the Cope centre here it is also a part of Kanturk town and its community. The level of local involvement and support for the centre – whether in assistance to the residents in the swimming and horse-riding activity – on social outings – or physical education sessions – all testify to a great spirit of community – a tremendous willingness to embrace the residents and the centre as an integral part of the life of the town. That spirit is a tangible and very real manifestation of the love of people for others who are in need of care and affection. In a world where material gain and personal prosperity have tended to be the modern goals that people set for themselves – it is heartening to see that spirit of love and caring which is so healthy and alive here in Kanturk – and indeed in the other towns in County Cork where there are centres run by the Cope Foundation.
It is important too for the young people of Kanturk to become involved – and it is very encouraging to see the level of support given to the residents by the local students from the local schools – such as the students from Scoil Mhuire who help out with the Arts and Crafts classes. For them, their involvement and work with the residents has a dual benefit – in heightening their awareness of the needs of others who are less fortunate than themselves – of the onus on society to look after and protect those who have not got the same abilities that they possess. In the process of working with the residents of the Cope centre they are enriching their own lives through friendships and contact with those who - because of disability – have a different and simpler perspective on life – and of the really important things in life – such as love, friendship and loyalty. It is a rewarding experience – and one that will stay with them throughout their lives.
This centre could not function properly without the support of the local community – and I want to take this opportunity to pay a warm tribute to the many people in Kanturk – both young and old – school children, local women and other volunteers - and to the parents and staff of the centre – for their work and commitment to those who live here. I would like to commend the centre in giving something back to the community – in the horticulture and garden centre – run by two lads attached to the Cope Foundation – and which I understand serves a significant need within the community.
I would like to thank you all again for this very warm welcome – and to wish you well in your work for the people of the Cork area.
ENDS