REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE ON HER VIIST TO LULLYMORE HERITAGE AND DISCOVERY PARK
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE ON HER VIIST TO LULLYMORE HERITAGE AND DISCOVERY PARK LULLYMORE, RATHANGAN, CO. KILDARE
Tá lúcháir mhór orm bheith anseo libh inniu i Loiligheach Mhór. Míle bhuíochas libh as an chaoin-chuireadh.
I am delighted to be here with you today at the Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park. I would like to thank the Committee, and particularly your Chairman, Sean Judge, for your very kind invitation.
This park is an imaginative resource for locals and tourists alike, which entertains, enlightens and impresses all who visit it. But it is much more than that – for it stands as a symbol of how much local communities are capable of achieving when you channel your energy, dedication and commitment into a common goal. I have had the privilege of witnessing that energy and vitality in communities right around the country – how they are capable of turning adverse circumstances into opportunities. I know that here in Lullymore, this Heritage and Discovery Park was a response to the pending closure of two major industries in this area. You did not give up hope. You had faith in yourselves, in your ability to shape your own future. You are the ‘doers’ who show that self-confidence, co-operation and partnership can overcome any difficulty – and the success of this Park is a wonderful testament to all your hard work.
I know that such successes do not happen by accident. I would like to warmly commend Sean Judge, all of the Committee members, and most of all the local community for pursuing this project with such imagination and commitment. Our thanks are also due to the many people in FAS who have done such excellent work here – and to Kildare Co. Council; KELT – the Leader 2 Programme; and the Oak Partnership for all their support. That co-operation proves the truth of the Irish saying: ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’ – there is strength in unity.
That saying is equally appropriate in relation to ideals of the United Irishmen, as exemplified in the life of Captain John Doorly. I greatly enjoyed my visit just now to the newly restored Doorly Homestead and I would like to thank Ray Stapleton for guiding me so well around the exhibition. The bicentenary of 1798 has now passed, but the ethos of the United Irishmen remains as relevant as ever, summed up in the words of General Edward Roche in June 1798 as follows:
‘To promote a union of brotherhood and affection among our countrymen of all religious persuasions, has been our principal object’.
Those were the ideals which inspired Captain John Doorly two hundred years ago, and they are words which inspire us still as we continue the long and often difficult road towards peace and harmony on this island. However, if General Roche were alive today, I would suggest a bit of updating to include sisterhood and countrywomen, as well as brotherhood and countrymen!
The Doorly Homestead is, of course, just one of the many attractions at this Heritage and Discovery Park – ranging from the Heritage Theme Garden to the Famine Project to the Early Christian Centre which I have also had the pleasure of visiting. These are all outstanding reminders of our rich and vibrant heritage. It is important to have such reminders as we approach the new Millennium, for an appreciation of that unique cultural heritage, far from being incompatible with the modern world, can be a source of rich inspiration for us all.
I know that all of you associated with the Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park have not been content to rest in your laurels, and that other projects such as a Celtic Walk, a children’s playground and an adventure golf course are in the pipeline. I would like to congratulate you all once again for all that you have achieved here, and I wish you every success in your future work.
Finally, I would like to say a special word of thanks to the local choir for their beautiful music.
Míle bhuíochas libh arís as bhur gcuidiú. Tá tréan-oibre déanta agaibh anseo agus guím gach rath air san am atá le teacht.