Speech by President Catherine Connolly at a Tree Lighting Ceremony
Áras an Uachtaráin, 6th December, 2025
A cháirde,
Tá áthas orm fáilte a chuir romhaibh go léir go dtí Áras an Uachtaráin le haghaidh an ócáid speisialta seo, nuair a thugann muid cuireadh do spiorad Nollaig teacht isteach inár gcroíthe nuair a lasann muid an Crann Nollaig iontach taobh amuigh sa ghairdín.
I know that you have travelled from every corner of this island, and indeed from beyond it, and I offer each of you a warm and heartfelt Céad Míle Fáilte.
I am delighted to extend a very special welcome to all the children who join us today, including our friends from Make-A-Wish. It is wonderful to see the Áras filled with children and their families, all of you looking forward, I have no doubt, to the arrival of Santa Claus and to all of the magic that comes your way at this time of the year.
You all bring a great sense of excitement and wonder today and I hope that you have a great time here in the Áras.
Christmas is a time of joy, anticipation, a time when we reflect on the year that has passed and look forward to a new year filled with hope and possibility.
Welcoming light has always been an important part of the Christmas tradition. As we prepare to illuminate the Christmas tree this afternoon, we are celebrating that ancient and enduring symbol of light emerging from darkness, a powerful symbol of renewal, resilience, and the strength that we draw from one another.
And very soon, as we mark the winter solstice, we will pass the darkest point of the year; a reminder written into nature itself that from this moment forward, brighter, longer days are ahead.
One of the most beautiful things about Christmas is the valuable opportunity it gives us to enjoy the simple gift of togetherness, to realise how lucky we are to be surrounded by so many people who love us and care about us. It reminds us of how precious it is to share moments like these with one another.
It is also, of course, a time when we hold in our thoughts those for whom this season may be challenging: those who are missing loved ones, those who may be struggling or without a home, those who are ill, and those who may feel alone and lonely. May the warmth we share here today inspire us to extend kindness, openness, and solidarity to all those who need support.
We must also express our gratitude to those who will be working tirelessly throughout the festive season to ensure our safety and wellbeing: the Gardaí, our emergency services, and the dedicated medical staff in hospitals across the country.
Sula lasann muid an gcránn, ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas ó chroí a thabhairt do chuile dhuine a bhí páirteach ag cur an ócáid seo le chéile.
To every member of the Áras staff, who have worked so hard to decorate the house so beautifully and to prepare the fare that we will enjoy – thank you.
To our friends and colleagues in the OPW who have done such an excellent job at decorating our Christmas tree — and what a magnificent sight it is!
My thanks also to our entertainers: our MC and storyteller Niall de Búrca, the magician Jack Wise, and Dublin Youth Choir, who have all brought great enthusiasm and energy to this occasion.
And, of course, last but not least, a very special thank you to Santa and his elves, who have travelled all the way from the North Pole to be with us today.
Go raibh maith agaibh go léir as teacht anseo tráthnóna agus as páirt a ghlacadh ag leanúint ar aghaidh leis an traidisiún iontach de Lasadh an Crann ag an Áras.
Go spreagfaidh solas an crann seo dóchas athnuaite ionann go léir, ag tabhairt inspioráid dúinn glacadh leis an ngealltanas de laethanta níos gile amach anseo.
Nollaig faoi shéan agus faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.