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Speeches

Remarks at the Unveiling of the Tree Of Generations

22nd February 2013

Dia dhaoíbh a chairde. Míle bhuíochas díbh as an gcuireadh agus an fáilte a thug sibh
dom. Tá an-áthas orm a bheith i bhur measc anseo ar an ócáid speisialta seo.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am delighted to be here this afternoon in Co. Clare to unveil the Lough Graney Youth
Club’s Community Arts Project – the “Tree of Generations”. Thank you for your kind
invitation and your very warm welcome. In particular, I would like to thank
Kathleen McNamara, Chairperson of the Youth Club for inviting me to this very special
event as well as the young people who have greeted me so enthusiastically with such a
fine exhibition of the wealth of creativity here.

Mar is eol daoibh, tá ceangal domhain agam le Contae an Chláir agus táim tar éis labhairt
cheana ar chonas a chabhraigh laethanta m’óige anseo liom mo chreideamh i leith
riachtanas an chirt shóisialta a mhúnlú agus conas a mhúin siad dom mar gheall ar atrua
agus mar gheall ar chumhacht chun claochluithe na féadarachta, fiú i dtréimhsí deacra.

[I have, as you know, deep associations with County Clare and have spoken before of how my early days here helped shape my belief in the necessity of social justice and taught me about compassion and the transformational power of possibility even in difficult times.]

The seeds for the Tree of Generations were planted in 2009 when the Lough Graney Youth Club, along with artist in residence Hilary Dully, created a film about their community. It was seen through the perspectives of Lough Graney residents, ranging from teenagers to senior citizens and including all age groups in between. This was a film which allowed the viewer to see and to understand Lough Graney in all its light and shade; to become familiar with the individual narratives, memories and journeys of its residents along with many shared experiences and recollections which, when combined together, created the story of a community.

‘Inside Out’ showed us how a small rural parish had travelled from the early days of Irish Independence to the global, sophisticated and multi –cultural Ireland we inhabit today, witnessing on its course a world war, several recessions, a seismic shift in both our societal structures and the value and belief systems at the core of that society, a move away from the land we have tended and loved and the rise of urban living and, of course, a technological revolution which would so radically affect the way we live, work and communicate.
For the older people within the community it was an opportunity to understand the Lough Graney of today through the eyes of a new generation; a generation anxious to play their part in creating a new chapter of Irishness, to re-imagine and re-consider the way we live and to leave their own footprint on the landscape. ‘Inside Out’ demonstrated the ideas, ideals and creativity that exist in abundance amongst our young people and their desire to offer their vision and innovation to the crafting of a shared future.

For the younger members of the Lough Graney community it was an opportunity to understand the importance of harnessing those ideas and that great spirit of innovation to all that was best about our past. One of the great achievements of ‘Inside Out’ was its ability to shine a light on the role of the past in creating the society we inhabit today. Although focussing on one small rural community, ‘Inside Out’ allowed a clear understanding of how society evolves through the assumptions, values and aspirations of each generation; reminding us that each generation has their own boundaries to push, their own prejudices to transcend and their own ambitions to realise a better world for themselves and future generations.

Out of that film, a cross-generational project evolved; one that blended modern technologies and traditional crafts, and celebrated the input of all generations of citizens, allowing for a sharing of skills, inspiration and ideas. The Tree of Generations is a true marrying of all that was best about our past with contemporary and new ideas and technologies, leading to the creation of a beautiful and innovative work of art.

Earlier this week I addressed a plenary session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in Paris. In the Headquarters of this world organisation, I made the point that art and culture must never be seen as a mere adornment to the real business of life; something that is peripheral to our economy and society, to be afforded only when times are good.

In one of his blessings, the poet and philosopher John O’Donoghue wrote – “May you find a harmony between your soul and your life”. Art and culture are part of that harmonious existence. They give meaning, depth and texture to our lives. They humanise our economy and ensure that imagination and creativity are given an honoured place at the centre of a flourishing society.

That message – of the centrality of creative expression – is as relevant here in your community of Lough Graney as it is in the Headquarters of UNESCO, which I visited during my visit to Paris earlier this week.

It is truly apt that Lough Graney chose a tree as the subject of the sculpture that is being unveiled today. We know that each part of a tree, whether old or new, serves an important purpose. The roots provide the structure and stability that allow the tree to grow; the trunk nourishes the branches and leaves and enables them to flourish and extend outwards; and the leaves absorb energy to support life and growth as the years, decades and even centuries pass by.

This tree is a valuable metaphor for how young and old can enrich each other’s worlds. Not only have the people of Lough Graney created something that is aesthetically beautiful and uplifting, they have also assisted each other in understanding the world and their place in it – who they are, where they have come from and where their community is going.

Last year, my first year as Uachtarán na hÉireann, was designated as European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. It was a year during which we were encouraged to focus on solidarity between the different age groups within our society.

Its objective was to develop and promote more cohesive communities where younger people can benefit from the knowledge, experience and wisdom of older people while elderly residents remain connected to, and play their part in, a modern and ever changing world. It also provided citizens and policy makers with an opportunity to reflect on the new demographic mix in our population and to consider initiatives and public policies that will lead to a mutually beneficial relationship between the generations.

Also during 2012, I launched my own consultation with young people – Being Young and Irish. What struck me most clearly from that consultation process was the positivity of young people. Despite the acute economic and social challenges that currently face young people, I found no cynicism or indeed ageism in their ranks. On the contrary, their contributions were full of hope; they articulated a very positive vision for the future; and they displayed a deep yearning to be part of the process of change necessary to achieve a better Ireland.

It is very inspiring to see individual communities such as Lough Graney taking the initiative and leading the way in valuing the contributions of all its members irrespective of age; encouraging people of all generations to work collectively, sharing their individual experiences and stories as they craft together a new chapter in Ireland’s narrative.

If we are to move forward harmoniously, we need to fully understand when and how things worked – or didn’t work – in the past. The narrative of the Magdalene Laundries shows what terrible things can occur when a society fails to challenge wrongs committed in the name of conformity or respectability. Drawing the lessons from the past, we also need to critically consider how we are doing in the here and now – not to be constrained by familiar horizons, but to interrogate limiting assumptions and to push beyond the boundaries of our own comfort zones in order that our society can work better for all its people, without exception.

I commend and congratulate the community of Lough Graney and encourage them to continue to nurture social contact between younger and older generations, and between citizens of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities as we work to build a truly inclusive society in which all our citizens are treated with respect and enabled to make their own individual contributions.

Mar fhocal scoir, ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil libh go léir as ucht fáilte a chur romham anseo inniu agus guím gach rath agus sonas ar Chlub Óige Loch Gréine agus ar na baill ar fad de phobal Loch Gréine sa todhchaí atá amach romhaibh le bhur gcéile.

[In conclusion I would like to thank you all for welcoming me here today and I wish Lough Graney Youth Club and all the members of the Lough Graney community success and happiness in your shared future together.]

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.