Mayor Naughton
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen.
I’m delighted to be with you tonight. Occasions like this show how we are at
our best when we come together in common purpose. For generations, Meitheal,
is what kept communities strong, spirits high.
Even in the darkest times, its innate sense of community, this sense of
togetherness is deep in the Irish psyche. It sustained us through a
history of oppression, occupation, rebellion, famine and dispossession.
In recent years, there was a tendency to retreat within ourselves. The
challenges we face now have seen us rethink this... as those of us who need
a hand and will give a hand.....are reminded of the truth of the saying is
faoi scath a cheile a mhaireann na daoine.
As Taoiseach, I believe passionately, that Ireland must be a country where
we live always, not in the shadow, but the shelter of each other. I
believe this compassion and idea of community.....is what will fire and
inspire us as we make our journey, together, on the difficult road to
recovery.Yesterday, Michael D Higgins, the greatly loved adopted son of
this parish.... a poet politician, philosopher and now this country’s
President, was honoured here by being given the Freedom of the City, by his
own.
At his inauguration, I spoke of our President’s dignity, his brilliance,
his compassion, his lifelong commitment to people on the margins.The work
he has done and continues to do, shows his commitment to our fellow
Irishmen and Irishwomen who have been banished to the margins of life and
its living.
Mayoral Ball
From its inauguration in 1972 in the Seapoint ballroom, this event owes so
much to one woman: Mary Bennett.
Thanks to Mary Bennett, over €2 million has been raised by Galway people,
for Galway people and charities.
I want to thank and congratulate Mary Bennett tonight. She is a living
example of what can be done.
Equally deserving of our gratitude are the beneficiaries of tonight’s
event, Waterside House (Cope), ISPCC, Galway Contact and Enable Ireland.
You walk the walk. You shine that light. You make that difference.
I salute you for the work you do, the care you give, the compassion you
share. You are the hidden heroes.The Lord Mayor’s Ball has long been a
highlight of the Galway’s social calendar.But it’s not what I’d call a Ball
of the.... Briathar Soar.....where it all just happens. Rugadh agus togadh
e. Tonight is also a night of celebration. It is traditionally held at the
end of a Mayoralty. In this I would like to commend Mayor Hildegarde
Naughton on her recent term of Office.I would like, in particular, to
commend her on a number of initiatives during that term namely:∙
- the “Know Your Council” School Competition,
- the Galway Transport Initiative ∙
- the promotion development of canals and waterways inthe city
These are good initiatives. Done in collaboration with NUI
Galway. Our young people are the future. If we can get them involved with
and passionate about politics and public service then, as a nation, we will
avoid past mistakes and truly begin to renew our Republic.Tourism, of
course, is vital for our future. Galway is a much sought after tourist
destination. Anything that enhances the tourist experience is to be
encouraged. Hence I welcome the focus on developing Galway’s canals and
waterways.Look at the success of the Volvo Ocean Race. Once bitten in 2009
– they had to come back - And why? Just look around. The people, the
warmth, the welcome…But also because of the quality of the offering.This is
a City, a Community that carries itself with confidence, and projects
itself with pride on land – with the Arts Festival and on sea with the
Volvo Ocean Race. Recent job and investment announcements in Galway
highlight the value of investor confidence in getting the economy back on
track -SAP (250 jobs in City West and in Galway)Cisco (115 jobs in
Galway)HP (280 jobs in Galway and Kildare) ConclusionIn conclusion, I want
to thank Hildegarde for having me here tonight.I also want to wish the
Meyrick Hotel another 160 years of business on this your 160th year of
being in Galway. Within 24 hours you have had the President and Taoiseach
in this historic establishment, and done it with elan.
Thank you all. Enjoy
your evening.