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REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE BLESSING OF THE FISHING FLEET ON SATURDAY 1 AUGUST, 1998

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE BLESSING OF THE FISHING FLEET ON SATURDAY 1 AUGUST, 1998

I am very happy to be with you this evening for what is a most important occasion in the calendar of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation – for the fishermen and for their families – and for the wider community of Killybegs – on whose lives this important industry has such a significant role. I am very grateful to Joey Murrin for inviting me to be with you for the blessing of the Fleet in my first year as President – and for giving me this opportunity to join with you for the Blessing and to give recognition to the fishermen of Killybegs for the important role that they play in the economic, cultural and social life of Ireland.

At a time such as this our minds must surely turn to those whose lives have been taken by the sea – and to their suffering families who are reminded daily of their great loss – and of the awesome and Herculean power of the sea over those who depend on it for their livelihood – and who put their lives at risk in the pursuit of their trade. To those who have suffered loss I want to extend my deepest sympathy – and, through my presence here this evening, a recognition of the personal sacrifices that the families make in this important national industry.

We think too of the many people who provide services to those who go to sea – of the lifeboat crews and the emergency teams who are always willing to rally to the aid of those who get into difficulties – and of the Garda and Defence Force personnel who take great personal risks to help others in need. I want to commend all of those people for their courage and dedication in providing essential support services to the fishermen of Killybegs – and indeed to all users of the seas around our shores – in all weathers and at all times of the year.

For the people and community of Killybegs – and for many communities in Ireland, especially along the west coast, the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation plays a major role. With 61 members, owning 64 vessels, and employing 500 fishermen, the Fishermen’s Organisation provides an umbrella for those who work on and with the vessels. Since it was established in 1979, the Organisation has worked hard to improve the lot of fishermen. The last 25 years have seen many changes in Ireland – with all of our industries have had to adjust to changing conditions and trade practices with membership of the European Union. The fishing industry in particular has seen profound changes - with greater access to traditional fishing grounds – and the arrival of bigger vessels. These have resulted in major changes to the lives and lifestyles of Irish fishermen. The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has been a key voice representing the interests of fishermen at national level. Indeed, when most of us think of fishermen, the names of “Joey Murrin” and “Killybegs” spring immediately to mind. The Organisation has risen to the challenges that these changes have brought about – and has been willing and ready to represent the interests of fishermen in meeting those challenges. I want to commend you on your work over the years for Irish fishermen – and in facilitating and encouraging your members to develop a strong and vibrant fishing industry – an industry that in turn supports many processing operations which give employment to over 3,000 people.

As we gather this evening to invoke God’s blessing on the Killybeg’s fleet, and on the fishermen who work on the boats at sea – we are reminded of the special place that fishermen have in the story of Christ – where he chose a fisherman, Simon Peter, as his first successor. In Ireland – an island country – fishermen have a special place in all our lives. By joining with you for this ceremony, I want to give recognition to that special place – and to hope that God protects you in your difficult work at sea.

ENDS