REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE ‘HANDING OVER’ OF LIVELINE HOUSE, WICKLOW TOWN
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE ‘HANDING OVER’ OF LIVELINE HOUSE, WICKLOW TOWN, FRIDAY, 4TH MAY, 2001
Any family coping with autism has to live with formidable levels of stress, sadness and worry. It takes a lot of strength, endurance and love to get through each day. I am sure there are days of intense loneliness and frustration when they must wonder if the rest of the world does care. And then out of the blue there comes an answer to that question.
It happened on Liveline, so simply that I’m sure, Catherine, you had no idea what the telling of your story would stir in Joe Duffy’s huge heart and in the hearts of those who were listening, as people and businesses rallied around with great goodness and generosity of spirit.
The values and the human decency which worked the miracle we are celebrating here today, are things people sometimes say are fading in our materialistic, our urbanised world. The media too, come in for their share of cynical comment. Yet here is a terrific example of one human being turning in desperation to our national radio as if turning to a trusted friend. And the radio programme became the very vehicle through which a marvellous community effort was organised and channelled.
On behalf of the listenership of Liveline, I want to thank Joe and that huge team of Good Samaritans who helped turn a mess into a dream. None of this was done for thanks but out of loving solidarity with Catherine and Alan and their lovely children, Rebecca, Anne, and of course, James. We wish the family many happy years in this beautiful home.
It gives me great joy and pride to officially hand over this glass key for Liveline House to Catherine and Alan.
Go maire sibh go léir.