ST PATRICK'S DAY GREETINGS FROM PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig ar chlann mhór dhomhanda na nGael, sa
bhaile agus ar fud na cruinne, ar ár lá náisiúnta ceiliúrtha.
I am delighted to send St Patrick’s Day greetings to all those
taking part in this year's celebrations, whether at home in Ireland
or around the world. St Patrick's festival is our special
opportunity to deepen and celebrate the bonds of heritage and
affection which link the global, Irish family and its friends
worldwide. It is a great showcase of the Irish love of life and this
year, more than any in our recent past, is one to savour with
special joy. The welcome return of devolved government to Northern
Ireland has brought to the island of Ireland a promising era of
peace, prosperity and partnership. Thank you for all the support and
encouragement you invested in our long, hard journey to this time of
concord. There can be little doubt that the best is yet to come!
I hope that the many new immigrants to Ireland who will be joining
the celebrations this year will take inspiration from the most
influential immigrant of them all, St Patrick himself. Today his
name and that of Ireland are synonymous and each year as we gather
in his honour, we can see the widening global reach and richly
diverse character of his extensive family. To each one of you I wish
a wonderful St Patrick's Day 2008. Enjoy it wherever you are! May St
Patrick long continue to bless you, his beloved Ireland and her
people.
MARY McALEESE
PRESIDENT OF IRELAND
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