REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT RECEPTION IN HYDE ROOM ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN MONDAY, 17TH JULY 2000
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT RECEPTION IN HYDE ROOM ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN MONDAY, 17TH JULY 2000
Is cúis mhór áthais dom fáilte fíorchaoin a chur romhaibh go léir chuig Áras an Uachtaráin inniu.
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a great pleasure for myself and Martin to welcome you to Áras an Uachtaráin today, and to extend a special ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ to those of you who have travelled long distances to be here with us. Last week I had the pleasure of officially opening this room and naming it in honour of the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde. Hyde’s life and work were dedicated to building bridges of respect between different, and traditionally opposing, strands of Irish culture. As such, I think he would have considered it appropriate the occasion for inaugurating this room was the 12th of July, not only the anniversary of his own death, but also a day of such importance, such symbolism, for the people of Ireland.
Áras an Uachtaráin itself tells a story of the many traditions that have taken root and been woven together on this island – traditions that have sometimes been shared, sometimes diverged, but each of which is inextricably part of the whole and deserving to be valued and respected as such. The art and architecture of this house reflect that shared history, but so too does its day to day life. This is a place where, I hope, all traditions can feel at home, feel welcome, reassured that the distinctive cultural inheritance and outlook they bring with them is appreciated and valued. That is the idea of days like this, occasions for people to come together, probably encountering a few old faces but also, we hope, getting to know a few new ones, establishing some new contacts and friendships – with the added benefit of discovering a whole new audience to hear about the great triumphs and disasters of your golfing career. I hope that all of you will bring home good memories of your day here.
You may be wondering about these extraordinary paintings on the walls of this room. They are part of the ‘Episodes from the Passion’ series by Hughie O’Donoghue and we very much appreciate the generosity of Mr Craig Baker, who has given them on loan to the Irish people.
I would like to thank all of our musicians here today – our harpist, Orla Fallon, who played in the Front Hall, and over this side, the Wind Quartet of John Ford, Martin Hughes, Stephen Hogan and Aidan Twomey. Most of all, thank you for coming here today. Enjoy yourselves.
Tá súil agam go mbainfaidh sibh taitneamh agus sult as an ceiliúradh seo inniu. Go maire sibh.