REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF HER VISIT TO LIONS MOSNEY HOLIDAY PROJECT
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF HER VISIT TO LIONS MOSNEY HOLIDAY PROJECT ON MONDAY 15 JUNE 1998
I am delighted to have this opportunity to visit Mosney this morning, and I suppose to see what you get up to on these annual holidays, which have proved so popular since the Dublin Lions Club brought 600 guests here in 1991. The success of that original idea can be seen in the fact that there are almost twice that number coming now – and that it has been extended to guest of all of the Lions Clubs throughout Ireland.
Organising a great holiday like this must take considerable time and effort; and I want to pay tribute to the Lions Clubs for what they have done over the years; in bringing a ray of sunshine and happiness, and a break from the daily worries and burdens; to over 20,000 people in the last 18 years. I don’t know if you know it, but the work on this week started in January, when the 117 Lions Clubs throughout Ireland were invited to send in booking forms for their guests. Since then, Gerald Langford, the Chairman of the Project Committee, has worked with Jim Corcoran, John Powell, Mary Kelly, Fred Crowe , Dr. Richard Harrison, John Rudd and Brendan Doyle; in dealing with the costs, the transport, the bookings, the medical requirements, in fact the many arrangements that have to be put in place for this week. I would like to give them a warm tribute for their tremendous work in organising this holiday and , through them, to the many Lions Clubs in Ireland that have worked so hard this year and over the last 18 years.
I would like also to commend the many carers who have come here this week, to provide much needed help so that he Lions guests can have a truly memorable week in Mosney. Without the valuable help and assistance of the medical team – the doctors, nurses, the units of the Order of Malta – the minibus drivers and operators – the Lions Entertainment Committee – the helper – the workers in the Lions Communication and information Centre – the week would not be the tremendous and enjoyable week that it is. I would also like to commend the staff at Mosney for their assistance with arrangements and making it a memorable holiday for the Lions guests every year. With activities like talent competitions, free bingo, quizzes, outdoor concerts and competitions – it doesn’t surprise me that there are guests who just don’t want to leave at the end of the week.
In a few moments I hope to get an opportunity to meet you. I know that there are guests from all over Ireland – from Counties Antrim, Tyrone, Derry and Down – and Dublin, Cork, Wexford, Wicklow, Kerry – practically every county is represented here. With such a mix of counties, I imagine that there will be no shortage of fun in the competitions and events planned for the holiday. This week is also an opportunity to meet others from different places – to make new friends – and to share a laugh with people who may be from a different background to yours. This gives the holiday a richer dimension – and it is to the great credit of the Lions Clubs involved that these holidays are such a success.
I hope that you all have an enjoyable holiday in Mosney – a week of activities and competitions – and most of all, a good relaxing break. I know that you will bring many happy memories away with you from your stay in Mosney.
ENDS