REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE UNVEILING OF A PLAQUE AT TERRYGLASS
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE UNVEILING OF A PLAQUE AT TERRYGLASS
It is a particular pleasure for me to be with you today in Ireland’s tidiest town – and I am honoured and delighted that I can be associated with that magnificent victory - by being invited to unveil this commemorative plaque which marks that great achievement. Terryglass is familiar to many people as one of the most pleasant stops on the Shannon – and every year plays host to literally thousands of visitors - who come to sample the warm hospitality and rare atmosphere of this truly unique place.
I can only imagine the thrill last year when Terryglass scooped the top award – and I can see that the waves of excitement are still reverberating today – with happiness, pride and satisfaction reflected in the faces of everybody here today. Of course, you are quite entitled to be proud of what you have achieved – you have every justification to be satisfied. The award was a fitting recognition of the hard work – the dedication and commitment – and the drive of the community – to continually improve your place – to work with a clear focus in making it the best – and to transform the village into the prize winner that it has been over the years.
That spirit of community – that enthusiasm and eagerness to pull together and win – and to move obstacles and hurdles in the winning – is the hallmark of true achievers. To do that once – as you did in 1983 - is a mark of excellence. But to come back in 1997 and improve on perfection – to set new and even higher standards – justly deserves the accolades that you have won. Indeed, Terryglass has been a key player in the Tidy Towns competition over the last twenty five years – and that continued presence – in being Regional winner almost every year since you fist won the overall competition in 1983 - is to the great credit of the Terryglass Improvement Association - who have been the driving force behind this great achievement.
But Terryglass is no stranger to greatness – with a provenance that boasts former visitors and residents such as Saint Patrick himself – who is reputed to have visited the village in the fifth century – and declared that “it will be the place of my resurrection” - or St. Columba – who founded Teryglass Monastery in 549 – and which was to be a great seat of learning until it was destroyed by fire in 1164 - or Aed Mac Crimthainn – the Abbot of Terryglass – and compiler of the Book of Leinster which is with the Book of Kells in Trinity College. Other visitors were not quite as civic minded – with the Vikings coming back no less than three times to burn the monastery!
The village’s strategic position on the banks of the Shannon has ensured that it has been a constant feature in the rich and varied history of this island. Happily you have recognised those connections with the episodes and events of history – and have tastefully preserved the many remains that exist in this “Land of Two Streams”. The existence of two holy wells is evidence of the strong religious influence of the village’s history – and one wonders at the use of Headache Well as you go from the village to the quay. Perhaps it has some connection – however vague – with the presence of two excellent public houses in the village!
In my being here with you today – I want to give recognition to the achievement of the people of Terryglass – and to the tremendous work that they have continued to do over the last quarter of a century in making the village a place of which each and everyone of you can be proud. That spirit of community – that willingness to come together and pool resources, talent and energy in a selfless drive to work for the good of all the community – has achieved magnificent results throughout the country. I have seen it in the many towns villages and cities I have visited since my inauguration – where people are discovering the power and potential that they can achieve by coming together – and joining with others to work for their own communities. I know that winning the Tidy Towns competition takes a special effort and commitment – and I want to congratulate you on making that effort.
In unveiling the plaque today – I want to congratulate you again – and to wish you continued success with the Tidy Towns competition – and in keeping Terryglass on the top of list of places to be – and to be seen in!