Media Library

Speeches

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF A CIVIC RECEPTION IN ARKLOW

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF A CIVIC RECEPTION IN ARKLOW, CO. WICKLOW ON TUESDAY 9TH JUNE, 1998

- It is a great pleasure to be in County Wicklow again so soon after my last visit only a little over a week ago. I would like to thank you Chairman – and the other members of the Urban District Council - for your kind offer of official, ‘Arklow’ hospitality this evening. As you know, after this reception I will be attending the Ecumenical Service to mark Arklow’s involvement in the 1798 Rebellion – an event which saw a considerable amount of action in counties Wicklow and Wexford – and which is being commemorated this year in many of the towns and villages in this area. Arklow itself was to have a decisive role in the defeat of the rebels in the Battle of Arklow – and the death in that battle of one of the main figures in Rebellion – Fr. Michael Murphy.

- Arklow, of course, is known now as a major tourist location – with not one – but two strands to the north and south of the Avonmore estuary – which gives Arklow it’s Irish name of ‘An t-Inbhear Mór’ – ‘The Big Estuary’. But it has featured in many of the episodes of history since Palladius – the first Christian missionary to Ireland – is reputed to have landed here in 430 A.D. - and in the 8th and 9th centuries when it was developed as one of the earliest towns in Ireland by Vikings – who gave it the name of “Amnkell Low” – or the meadow of Amnkell, a Viking Chieftain - a name since anglicised to ‘Arklow’. It featured again in Norman times and in the Williamite Wars of 1641 – when the men of Wicklow captured and held the Castle of Arklow – which Cromwell seized in 1649.

- It was its association with the sea that was to give Arklow its importance as a sea port. That connection is reflected in the town’s motto “Maoin na mara ár Muinghin” – “From the Sea our Wealth” – and maritime history was made in 1824 – when the first lifeboat station in Ireland was opened here. By the late 1870s up to 80 schooners were based in the harbour – making it the largest schooner port in the country. That seafaring tradition has meant that Arklow has become renowned as a boat building centre – with credits such as the Asgard II - the naval sail training vessel - and Francis Chichester Clarke’s “Gypsymoth”.

- With the many changes in the economic fortunes of Ireland over the generations – Arklow’s fortunes have ebbed and flowed. There have been disappointments and triumphs – but you have always kept your head very much above water. The years ahead will bring new challenges – and new opportunities. Your town is ideally located as a major tourism centre. Being at the southern end of the Garden of Ireland – Arklow is an important gateway to one of the most beautiful parts of the country. At this time it takes on a particular significance with the Garden Festival in full swing – a festival which celebrates the unique gardens and landscape of County Wicklow.

- You have been quick to build on that strength – and to do what is right for your town. There are many natural amenities within easy reach to cater for all tastes – and you have the infrastructure to cope with the growing volume of tourists that are attracted to your area. The imminent opening of the Arklow bypass should further enhance the quality of what you have to offer – and will enable you to build a new dimension to a visit to Arklow.

- I know that this is my first ‘official’ visit – and I am very grateful to you for the warmth of your welcome. The people of Arklow are fortunate to have people like yourselves as their public representatives on the Urban District Council – people who are committed to doing what is best for their town – your town.