REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE YOUTH RECEPTION ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN TUESDAY, 18TH JANUARY, 2000
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE YOUTH RECEPTION ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN TUESDAY, 18TH JANUARY, 2000
Is cúis mhór áthais dom fáilte a chur romhaibh go léir chuig Áras an Uachtaráin.
I am delighted to welcome so many young people from all over Ireland, North and South, to Áras an Uachtaráin today. There is a wonderful sense of energy in this room that only happens when it is filled with young people, with the vitality and curiosity and enthusiasm that each of you brings with you. Gathered here today is a group of very different people, of various ages and from diverse backgrounds, but what each of you shares, what each of you has already demonstrated, is a willingness to become involved - whether in a youth club or youth activities or a local group. And that in itself says something about you, it says that you are someone who wants to participate in your community, who doesn’t just sit at home, cheesed off because nothing is happening. You get out there and make things happen for yourself and others.
The range of activities and interests represented by all the groups and individuals here is quite remarkable – from sports to community work to drama, arts and crafts, music……….. the list goes on. Some people will excel in those activities, discovering exceptional talents within themselves that they hardly knew were there, that might never have seen the light of day if they hadn’t joined a particular club where someone saw their potential and encouraged it.
Most of us aren’t quite in the league of budding athletic or musical geniuses, and yet there is potential inside each individual that belonging to a youth club can help to foster and develop. They are places where you develop the profound self-confidence that comes from knowing that you can take on challenges and succeed; where leadership is fostered and yet where you also learn the importance of teamwork and co-operation. They are places which teach independence and strength of character, self-belief and belief in the value of every human being, the duty of care that each of us has for everyone else.
These are the values which will serve you well in later life, whatever path you choose. And they are also the values on which a decent society is built, a society in which no child grows up in poverty, scarred by prejudice and exclusion, by hatred or neglect. You are the generation that will have the capacity to build such a society, if you use your talents generously and well, in the service of others. And from all of the optimism, selflessness and enthusiasm that is here in this room, I believe there is great hope for the future.
I would like to pay special tribute to all of the volunteers, both here with us today and around the country, who devote so much of their time and energy to youth organisations. You deserve great credit for your stamina but I know there is also tremendous satisfaction to be had from seeing young people blossom and grow in confidence as a result of the support you give them. Those words of praise and encouragement you offer to a young person can mean so much, especially when life has not been kind to them – when they have suffered bereavement, or bullying, or things are difficult at home. At those times, the kind word or thoughtful gesture of an adult whom they respect and trust, helps them to keep going, restores their hope and renews their determination. It makes all the difference, and I know that each of you have made that difference in the lives of so many young people.
I also want to commend the National Youth Council of Ireland, Youthnet, and the North Eastern Education and Library Board’s Youth Service for the tremendous support they are providing to youth organisations, North and South, and especially, for their assistance in helping to organise today’s event.
Finally, a warm thank you to our wonderful musicians: Aisling Ennis who played harp for you in the Front Hall, and here in this room, our pianist, Peter Tuite.
I hope that you will all have a most enjoyable time here today. Most of you don't know each other but before the afternoon is out, I hope that you will have exchanged a few words with whoever’s beside you and made many new friends.
Good luck with all your future work. Go n-éirí go geal libh agus go raibh míle maith agaibh.