REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF BLOOM, THE NATIONAL GARDENING SHOW, PHOENIX PARK
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF BLOOM, THE NATIONAL GARDENING SHOW, PHOENIX PARK FRIDAY, 30 MAY 2008
Dia dhíbh a chairde ar maidin san áit álainn seo i bPáirc an Fionn Uisce. Míle buíochas as an gcuireadh agus an fáilte sin.
Bloom is celebrating its first birthday in style and I am delighted the nearest neighbour has been invited to the party. I am also Patron of Bloom and after last year’s resounding success this is an event I have been looking forward to with great curiosity and anticipation.
Last year’s weather which was pretty awful did absolutely nothing to dampen spirits or enthusiasm of the 50,000 people who came and saw and fell in love with Bloom. What they saw here last year will bring them back with a vengeance and many more besides for this is the most wonderful showcase of horticultural imagination anywhere in Ireland.
The gardening, horticultural and landscaping sector combined is now worth in excess of €2 billion each year to our economy, so it is a hugely important industry but how could we ever quantify the many blessings and joys that the industry has given each of us individually - the pleasure of a garden, the family barbeques, the dawn chorus of birds, the dusk chorus of kids who won’t go to bed because kicking a ball or wielding a hurl outdoors is way too exciting, the walks through parkland, the never-ending generosity of nature and the fascinating genius of a new generation of amateur and professional garden landscapers.
And, of course, the garden is where many of us are learning to recycle intelligently and to discover again the joy of growing our own fruit and vegetables. Our island has a legendary reputation for wonderful, fresh, wholesome food and with Bord Bia playing such a key role behind Bloom, visitors are also in for a showcase of the best of Irish produce, not to mention the chance to see the work of Ireland’s outstanding crafts men and women, for the Crafts Council are here too, and the new health and wellness area should make sure we leave Bloom with a new determination to get out and enjoy fresh air, fresh food and a healthy lifestyle. Most of all though, Bloom gives us a chance to savour our natural environment and to grow in appreciation of its many wonders, big and small, natural and man-made.
I wish Bloom 08 every success and thank, in particular, the organising committee and the sponsors who have made it possible to offer this magnificent show to our people and our visitors - Bord Bia, Fáilte Ireland, Keelings, Pfizer and Tesco, and all the many companies and individuals who have contributed to this great event. To the exhibitors who have put their faith in Bloom, a big thank you for being
here and finally warmest thanks to the Office of Public Works who do such wonderful work in maintaining and developing this magnificent park and this site. Enjoy Bloom 2008.
Míle buíochas díbh arís agus go n-éirí go geal libh.