MARY ROBINSON ON THE OCCASION OF THE F.A.I./OPEL INTERNATIONAL SOCCER AWARDS AT THE BURLINGTON
SPEAKING NOTES FOR THE PRESIDENT, MARY ROBINSON, ON 14TH NOVEMBER, 1993.
- Bíonn áthas orm i gcónaí bheith i láthair in áit ar bith a mbíonn foireann pheile na hÉireann agus a lucht leanúna agus go háirithe ar ocáid bronnta mar seo.
- I am delighted to have this opportunity to attend this year's FAI/OPEL International soccer awards and I congratulate the award winners on their outstanding achievements.
- I am well aware that Arnold O'Byrne and Opel say they are Ireland's No. 1 supporter. However I am beginning to dispute this claim because nowadays I believe I am Ireland's No. 1 supporter. Since taking office it has been both a joy and a privilege to attend Ireland's games on a regular basis.
- The pride and passion that the Irish team has instilled in the entire nation over the past five years has been truly remarkable. And it seems nowadays that wherever I travel in the world I am greeted by Irish people wearing the green football jersey - which has become a badge of honour for Irish people everywhere.
- I confess that I am eternally grateful to Jack Charlton. I want to thank him publicly tonight for showing no interest in putting himself forward as a Presidential Candidate the last time elections were held. Had he done so I fear I would not be standing here with you this evening.
- But, of course, the Football Association of Ireland and these awards are much more than just about the senior team.
- I warmly congratulate the Association for all it has done and is doing to promote sport for young men, and indeed women, throughout the country at all levels of ability.
- Each weekend thousands upon thousands of players take part in schools, amateur and junior leagues the length and breadth of Ireland. I see many of them play on what is called the "15 acres" at the Phoenix Park but nowadays the game is also being played in towns and villages where soccer was previously unknown.
- In fact, such is the activity in the Phoenix Park on weekends I'm just waiting for a football to come through a window of the Åras some Saturday or Sunday. And may I just warn any centre-forward who might harbour ambitions of putting a ball through my window I won't give it back.
- It is always a delight to be associated with sport. It does so much for the morale of the country whether that be watching an all-Ireland football or hurling final, an international rugby game or Sonia O'Sullivan or Michael Carruth in action.
- But there are other stars that I want to single out and whom I wish to salute here tonight as well as the award winners. These stars are the officials and administrators and all others who help in the organisation and running of events throughout the country. Many of you are present tonight and countless others are at home watching on television. You are the people who give up so much of your time for no financial gain to run leagues, organise teams, wash the gear, put up nets, mark pitches, and so on. Without your contribution there is no football. There is no sport. And so, on this night of celebration, I salute you.
- Apart from being eternally grateful to Jack Charlton for not standing as a Presidential candidate, I very much welcome the opportunity, on behalf of the Irish people, to thank him and the Irish teams for what they have achieved. We are indebted to you for the wonderful moments that you have provided us and we wish you well in Belfast on Wednesday.
- This evening's celebrations are muted and tinged with sadness at the memory of recent tragic events in Northern Ireland and I am aware that your match on Wednesday comes at a time of considerable tension caused by those terrible events. More than anything else the people of Northern Ireland long for normality, for the chance to live normal lives free from violence and fear and intimidation.
- What is more normal or enjoyable than the wholehearted participation by the community in sport, than the pleasure that players and supporters alike derive from the kind of closely contested challenge that the match is expected to produce on Wednesday. I know that on the playing field both teams will welcome the opportunity to show, by example, how activities such as sport can be powerful forces for reconciliation, helping to bring people closer together in the shared enjoyment of interests that they hold in common.
- Regardless of the outcome of the match the members of both teams and their supporters carry with them our sincerest wishes for an enjoyable and entertaining game which will give pleasure and satisfaction to sporting enthusiasts everywhere.