MARY ROBINSON, AT A FUNCTION TO MARK THE RESTORATION OF THE MEDIEVAL TOWN WALL OF FETHARD
SATURDAY, 24 JULY, 1993
- I very much welcome the opportunity that this occasion provides to meet the people of Fethard and to join with you in your celebration of the outstanding restoration work that has been in progress in this historic town since 1990. On my arrival here it was easy to see the pride that the people of Fethard or Fíodh Ård (high wood) take in their heritage and the restoration of the medieval wall restores to former glory a valuable part of the town's heritage dating from the 13th Century. The "Better Ireland Award" that you received in 1992 was indeed well deserved.
- Throughout Ireland I have been privileged to witness communities that are engaged in stimulating projects to restore and conserve their heritage. There is a growing awareness of the richness and importance of that unique heritage and of how it helps to define us as a people. There is also a greater appreciation of the interest in our heritage on the part of visitors, particularly those from abroad who have Irish ancestors. Heritage tourism has great potential and is continuing to attract more and more interest.
- In addition to conserving a valuable part of the history of your town and community, your efforts have resulted in a new resource here in the shadow of the legendary Sliabh na mBan - a resource which will complement other local attractions such as the Folk Farm and Transport Museum in enticing visitors to come to Fethard and spend time here. This region is a fascinating one for visitors with major tourist attractions nearby i.e. The Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Holy Cross Abbey, etc.. Nearby Derrynaflan is a vivid reminder of our extraordinarily rich heritage.
- I congratulate the "Friends of Fethard" on their initiative, generosity and enthusiasm in undertaking this restoration project. You and all who have helped in the restoration deserve our highest praise on your wonderful achievement.
- Today also we commemorate and celebrate the achievements of a famous daughter of Fethard, Olivia Hughes, whose work on behalf of women has won her widespread acclaim. She campaigned for better education for women in the home and for better pay for women in employment outside the home at a time when neither cause was fashionable. She was keenly interested in youth and in the credit union movement and she helped to prepare the ground for the later widespread growth of youth organisations and credit unions in Ireland.
- But her primary concern was for rural women and she became Secretary of the Fethard Guild of the United Irishwomen about 1925 and later its President. The United Irishwomen became the ICA in 1935 and Olivia Hughes was to become President of the National Organisation in 1955. She had a seminal influence on the development of the ICA movement which has become a significant force in Ireland today, with over 1000 Guilds throughout the country.
- The ICA is involved in many philanthropic and charitable causes and more recently 23,000 of its members joined with 9,000 members of the Federation of Women's Institutes in Northern Ireland came together in a unified call for peace in Ireland.
- It is fitting that we honour the memory of Olivia Hughes in our celebration of the historical restoration being undertaken here in Fethard. She was keenly interested in the history of the area and her book "Fethard and its Churches" covered the period from the 14th Century to modern times. The cooperative spirit and caring values that she espoused in her exemplary life are continued in your work here in the present day and what better tribute to her memory that this fine example of what self help and community cooperation can achieve. She would, I am sure, be particularly pleased that her memory had inspired the successful restoration of a vital part of the town that she loved and cherished.