REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR THE RNLI IRELAND
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR THE RNLI IRELAND AIRSIDE, SWORDS
Dia diabh go léir. Tá áthas orm bheith libh anseo tráthnóna ar an ócáid speisialta seo.
Good afternoon, everybody.
The opening of new headquarters for a voluntary organisation marks the culmination of a long, hectic and, likely at times, fraught period of intensive work, planning and fund-raising. This, the official day of opening is an important day in the life of the RNLI, a day of pride, relief and gratitude that a huge project which stretched the organisation and its supporters, that was ambitious and testing, not only now exists but is proof positive of the remarkable capabilities of the RNLI and its preparedness for what lies ahead tomorrow. You have worked so hard for this day and I am deeply grateful for the kind invitation from Mary Newman which allows me to share it with you.
I have been listening to some of the comments made lately about the changes in Ireland these past twenty years and I was astounded to hear one commentator assert that we have become so selfish and preoccupied with consumerism that no-one does anything for anyone else any more. I know that to be untrue, and you know that to be untrue, and only someone utterly disconnected from the mainstream of everyday Irish life could believe it to be true! Last year RNLI lifeboat crews in Ireland launched a total of 916 times, rescuing on average 22 people each week. There are approximately 1,000 volunteer lifeboat crew members in Ireland, including 80 women, most of whom are not from professional maritime backgrounds. This organisation is a classic example of the phenomenal, unselfish, generous voluntary endeavour in literally thousands of spheres that goes on in Ireland around the clock, week in and week out, year in and year out without thought of thanks or recognition. There isn’t in any of it the remotest trace of exhibitionism or grandstanding. There is not in any of it an easy option, a lazy cynicism. Here you will find authenticity, integrity, humility, spontaneous goodness and in this organisation in particular, you will find men and women who are prepared to risk their lives at any moment for people who may be complete strangers and even occasionally complete fools. What you do is done the way heroes do things, quietly, self-effacingly and well. You know the sea, you know its capriciousness. You know the frailty of boats and of human beings. You know your craft for the RNLI has been saving lives at sea for over one hundred and eighty years. I have been privileged to see at first hand the dedication and commitment of our lifeboat crews. I know how much of themselves they invest in training and how much time is invested in finding the resources to keep the levels of skill, equipment and services at the highest level possible. If there is fear you don’t look for an easy out, if there is discomfort you do not complain, if there is danger you face it. And by some miracle you get a deep personal fulfilment from all this giving which keeps you involved, keeps you faithful to the RNLI often over a lifetime.
We take pride too in the fact that RNLI Ireland operates on an all–island basis, transcending all the vanities of jurisdictional issues to ensure that the sea which is no respecter of man-made boundaries is tackled with the best will that can be harnessed, not just on this island, but in this region of Europe. The cooperation between RNLI and the other rescue services is well symbolised by the Commissioners of Irish Lights donation of the green and red navigation buoys at the entrance to the building.
If at times we seem to be a thankless bunch let me assure you that in the hearts and minds of Irish men, women and children the name of the RNLI is held in the highest regard – a regard earned the hard way. In their name I say a heartfelt thank-you to the past and present crews of our lifeboats and to those who worked in the past, and who work today, in so many different but essential roles in the background, providing support, training, public education and much needed resources. If I may borrow a few words from Seamus Heaney:
"You have won renown: you are known to all men
far and near, now and forever.
Your sway is wide as the wind's home,
as the sea around cliffs."
This building answers those who wonder about the future of Ireland’s spirit of volunteerism. It says comprehensively that the spirit of courage and selflessness, which has been the hallmark of the RNLI since its foundation is flourishing and is set to continue for many years to come.
I hope those who work here will enjoy them and I now declare the new Headquarters officially open.
Go gcúití Dia bhur saothar daoibh.