Remarks by President McAleese at the Family Day reception Áras an Uachtaráin Sunday, 6 July 2008
Remarks by President McAleese at the Family Day reception Áras an Uachtaráin Sunday, 6 July 2008
Dia dhíbh go léir, agus fáilte. Good afternoon, everybody.
I hope you are all in great form, here in the middle of the Áras’ garden party season, otherwise known as the season of marquees and monsoons! Martin and I and all of the Áras staff are delighted to welcome you to this wonderful house and gardens, and to thank you for travelling from all over Ireland to bring the place so alive.
You have come with family and friends for a day away from everyday life - a day, we hope, of very special and happy memories. Few of us get through life without facing tough days, problems and crises of one sort or another and if we were to unpack the lives of each one of you we would quickly find many a story of courage and of heartache.
Whether we are facing sorrows or joys there is no doubt that having the support of a good family and friends makes life’s journey a lot easier. So that is what we are celebrating today - our good fortune in having such a strong culture of family and friendship.
Maybe today you’ll even make a new friend or two by just reaching out your hand to a stranger and introducing yourself, especially if you see someone on their own. For a big crowd is the loneliest place in the world if you don’t know anyone. But happily we are the nosiest people on the planet and that is essential if we are to make new friends!
Enjoy your day - the house, the gardens, the music, the food and the care all created by the fantastic Áras team. We all want you to have a super, memorable day. On your behalf and my own I thank all of them for what they have done, working so hard to make this such a special day.
I’d also like to thank the fantastic entertainers this afternoon. They have been amazing. A big thanks also to our friends in the Civil Defence, the Gardaí, the tour guides and all the staff here at the Áras who have given their utmost to ensure that your day is as enjoyable as it could possibly be.
I hope you have a great afternoon, and that when you get safely home you’ll bring with you happy memories of your visit to Áras an Uachtaráin.
Go raibh maith agaibh.