REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT A CIVIC RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF KILRUSH TOWN
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT A CIVIC RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF KILRUSH TOWN COUNCIL
Dia dhíbh ar maidin. Go raibh maith agaibh as an bhfáilte a thug sibh dom.
Mayor O’Looney, members of Kilrush Town Council, ladies and gentlemen, my thanks for that warm and generous welcome to Kilrush.
As everyone here knows we celebrated the historic enlargement of the European Union family when it became 25 from 15 on Saturday last, May 1st. One of the great benefits of this enlargement has been the revitalising refreshing effect the new Member States have had on the Union, each bringing their unique contribution, their identity, culture, history and traditions, music, dance, literature and language enriching the rest, sharing that great wealth of human experience and talent and genius with us all.
Already, we in Ireland have a proud tradition of bringing our own valuable share of literary and artistic culture to Europe over many centuries - from the monks who established monasteries in mainland Europe, right up to the Irish poets, writers, musicians and artists of today. But Ireland had first to create its own pot of cultural gold and its own identity before it could hope to share it elsewhere in the world. And as I am visiting your county today, I am conscious that few if any parts of this island have helped shape Irish cultural, sporting, political and business life more than here in lovely west Clare.
Clare, with its proud, sometimes heartbreaking history over the centuries, has contributed much to what is modern Ireland. Indeed, the very office of Uachtarán na hÉireann, which I hold today, was held in great distinction by two much loved Clare men for 28 of the almost 67 years of its existence.
The range of cultural events for which Clare is rightly famous is breathtaking, and you don’t need me to list them. We are all familiar with the work of the Willie Clancy Summer School and its contribution to the worldwide revival of Irish traditional music. Closer to home, here at Kilrush, I know you also love your music. How, for example, you celebrate the life and music of Elizabeth Crotty at the very successful Eigse Mrs. Crotty festival in August.
Looking around us here at this wonderful garden, we have a different though equally valuable piece of 18th and 19th century Kilrush history. Isn’t May such an inspirational time to be visiting a garden – as the plants gather strength for the summer display of beauty? The transformation from wilderness to this lovely Walled Garden bears witness to the great caring and attention to which it has been painstakingly treated – restoring it to the quiet and peaceful haven that it was in the days of the Vandeleur family.
Thank you for honouring me with the dedication of the garden seat. I wish a sunny, peaceful and contented time to all who rest upon it!
It is heartening to see that the modern Kilrush, the administrative capital of West Clare, and which in this 21st century is rightly focused on progress, prosperity, development and growth for the benefit of its people, has recognised the value of the diversity of its heritage.
The enthusiastic support of FÁS, Clare County Council and Kilrush Town Council, other public and private agencies and the local people has paid off and you now rightly wear a badge of honour for being part of the Great Gardens of Ireland Programme. Comhghairdeachas libh.
Kilrush is certainly living up to its title as a heritage town and it is good to see that today you are adding another dimension to the heritage value of Kilrush and of County Clare with the launch of The Corner Shop project. The heritage of our social and cultural history is very valuable but unfortunately, we sometimes only really appreciate it when the wonderful people who can recall it are gone from us. This Archive of Recollection aims to bridge that gap in our knowledge of times past through a most exciting and imaginative initiative. I have no doubt that in years to come, it will be viewed as a treasure trove. We are indebted to you, our children and their children will be indebted to you for ensuring that the memory of times past are treasured and do not become times lost.
I would like to thank the Mayor, councillors and staff of Kilrush Town Council for the civic reception extended to me today. I would also like to thank the people of Kilrush for the warm and generous welcome.
Go maire sibh. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.