REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF HER VISIT TO FINISKLIN HOUSING ASSOCIATION
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF HER VISIT TO FINISKLIN HOUSING ASSOCIATION LTD. RESIDENCE “SHOLAMAR” ON T
Earlier today I visited the Sligo youth Resource Centre – to see what is being done for the young people of Sligo to help them to participate in society. I also visited the Sligo Family Centre – another place where people form Sligo – mainly parents – can get access to facilities and services directed at families and their needs. And I visited the “Arts Focus” – which is a unique venture to allow young people from different communities in Ireland – North and South – to explore through art – the forging of links and bridges between the divided communities on this island.
My visit to Shalomar fits in very well with that pattern – because it is another place where the different needs of another group of people are being addressed – by yet another set of dedicated and committed people – who give generously of the skills, and of their time and resources – to help others to help themselves.
My visit this afternoon is to give recognition to everybody at Shalomar – to the management – the staff – and the residents - for what they are doing for others and for themselves. I am particularly glad to have this opportunity to meet with the residents – to listen to your stories – to talk with you - and to give each of you recognition and affirmation in what you are doing for yourselves - with the care and attention of a group of dedicated people who have taken an interest in your wellbeing. I want to pay tribute to you for recognising that spirit of generosity – and for vindicating the staff in their spirit of care and help – and in their faith in you.
I also want to pay a warm tribute to the staff for their role in giving the care, attention and guidance to those who need that vital help – at a particularly difficult time in their lives. Yours is a tremendous responsibility – one that you clearly discharge with distinction – and with a spirit of love for your fellow human sufferers. I want to thank all of you for your warm welcome this afternoon – and for your hospitality. I also want to wish you well in your work – both as residents and as carers.
ENDS