Thank you very much for your kind words and thank you for the warmest of
Chicago welcomes.
Mayor Emmanuel, Distinguished Guests.
A Dhaoine Uaisle is a Chairde Ghael, Ladies and Gentlemen, Irish Friends,
I’m particularly delighted to be here in Chicago, the hometown of President
Obama and his family.
In Dublin last May he spoke of Chicago being the Irish capital of the
mid-West.
And I stand here today very conscious of the history of the Irish in
Chicago and across the mid-West. It’s certainly an honour to be in the
company of so many Irish friends today.
You are most probably aware that President Obama has, in fact, designated
the month of March Irish American Heritage Month here in the States, in
honour of ‘the sons and daughters of Erin’ who “demonstrated extraordinary
strength and unshakable faith as they gave their all to help build an
America worthy of the journey they and so many others had taken”.
So we have much to celebrate.
I am also mindful of the central role which the Irish Fellowship Club has
played in the story of the Chicago Irish since its foundation in 1901.
Ireland is grateful for the role the Irish Fellowship Club has played in
promoting Ireland’s interests in Chicago and indeed in Washington.
But the Irish Fellowship Club has also played its part in Irish history and
in developing the links between Ireland and the United States from the very
early days of our State’s existence.
And what wonderfully strong links they are.
Ireland’s recent history has been well documented and the fact is that we
still have a long road ahead of us but, as you all know, we Irish are a
resilient people and are emerging from our current difficulties with a
renewed and strengthened nation.
Because I can tell you now that Ireland still possesses in abundance that
‘hope, confidence and imagination’ President Kennedy heralded back in 1963.
My key message to you today is very simple. The Irish economy is growing
again. Our public finances have stabilised. The Government is determined to
deliver long-term and sustainable growth.
As you know, next year we’re hosting The Gathering …. Ireland’s biggest
ever tourism initiative…a year long celebration of what is best about
Ireland, its people, its culture.
And we’re sending the mother-of-all invitations to our Irish family…by
birth…. by adoption…. ..by desire. ….. I’m delighted to host this 2013
Gathering on the 50th anniversary of John F Kennedy’s coming ‘home’ to
Ireland. Of course, you are all invited to join in that celebration and in
doing so to reconnect with your Irish roots.
Because, I can tell you now Ladies and Gentlemen,
If you decide to come to Ireland, you will be amongst friends.
I would like to conclude by thanking a few people.
I would like to thank the President of the fellowship Club, Brian Hickey,
Dinner Chair, Margaret Houlihan Smith, and of course Kathy Taylor for her
ongoing and tireless dedication to this great institution.
I would also like to acknowledge this year’s honourees, Fr. Clete Kiley and
Fr. Jack Claire.
I would also like to salute Fr. Kiley in his role as Grand Marshal of the
St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I wish you well for tomorrow Fr Kiley and look
forward to marching with you.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Mayor Richard
Daley and the tremendous work he did for Chicago in the course of his 22
years in office.
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraimh go léir – Happy St Patrick’s Day to
you all. Thank you.