REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE PEOPLE OF THE YEAR AWARDS, CITY WEST HOTEL, DUBLIN, 9TH OCTOBER
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE PEOPLE OF THE YEAR AWARDS, CITY WEST HOTEL, DUBLIN, 9TH OCTOBER, 2004
Dia dhíbh go léir. Tá áthas orm bheith anseo libh tráthnóna ar an ócáid speisialta seo. Go raibh maith agaibh as an cuireadh agus an fháilte chroíúil sin.
This evening, with the help of the ESB and Rehab, we celebrate the acts and achievements of heroic men, women and children. The People of the Year Awards and tonight’s Greatest Living Sports Person Award are an important public recognition of exceptional people whose lives are showcases of the very best in human nature.
Earnest Hemingway famously defined heroism as ‘grace under pressure’. We acknowledge this evening that the award recipients, often under great pressure, have graced Irish life. They each chose the heroic path in very different circumstances. Some found themselves suddenly pitched against death itself, others are trailblazers who risked spectacular failure in order to accomplish spectacular success and still more dedicated themselves selflessly to improving the lives of others.
While their stories are very different, each of them has earned our respect and admiration. We take righteous pride in their nobility of character, their utter lack of self-pity, their determination to make the best use of their lives and their talents. These are Ireland’s doers, people who show courage and tenacity in circumstances which would overwhelm lesser mortals. Every society needs its heroes and its heroines. On the days when we each face our own tests and challenges their example helps to instil confidence and to overcome doubts. We have very few ways of repaying our debt to them or of telling them how greatly we value their investment in goodness. That is why tonight is so important and why we are all indebted to Frank Flannery, Rehab Group Chief Executive, Padraig McManus, ESB Chief Executive, the City West Hotel and everyone involved in making this award ceremony such a success.
Comhghairdeachas libh. Gura fada buan sibh. Go raibh maith agaibh.