REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE RECEPTION TO THANK PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN OF ASSISTANCE
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE RECEPTION TO THANK PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN OF ASSISTANCE TO THE WORK OF ARAS AN UACHTARAIN
Is cúis mhór áthais dom fáilte a chur romhaibh go léir chuig Áras an Uachtaráin.
Firstly let me say how delighted I am to welcome each and every one of you to the Áras. We have people here today from many different walks of life, in the public and private sectors. What you all have in common is that each of you, in your own way, has helped us out in the Aras in the course of the year – often at short notice, often having to stay late to go the extra mile. Whether it was providing information or services, assisting in protocol, transport, security, receptions or any of the many other activities that are necessary to keep this show on the road - we couldn’t have done it without you.
You are part of the team that keeps everything going – quietly and efficiently, often in the background, hardly realising your efforts are noticed, far less appreciated. But we do notice, and very much value the friendly and accommodating way that you help us out, time and time again. I am lucky to be surrounded by such an able, dedicated and supportive team and today, this is my opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to each one of you.
This is a day for enjoyment and relaxation, and it has been made all the more special by our wonderful musicians from the Foxrock Church Choir, who sang for us in the Front Hall. Here in this room, I am delighted to welcome Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla, on Harp, Louise Maloney on violin and Daracha MacPhilbin on flute. I would like to thank all of them for entertaining us so well.
You are all very welcome to have a look around the formal rooms in this house. For while this is my home, it is much more than that. It is also a place which symbolises the history of this island, and its relationship with our neighbour, Britain. That history is embedded in every stone of this house, in its art and architecture. It is a house for all the traditions and cultures on this island to share, and today, I am delighted to be able to share it with you.
I hope that you will very much enjoy this get-together and that you take this opportunity to see a few old faces as well as make a few new friends. Thank you all once again for coming and for all your hard work during the year.
Tá súil agam go mbainfaidh sibh go léir taitneamh as an lá. Go raibh maith agaibh.