McAleese full of praise for Cork in farewell speech

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese has hailed the people of Cork for the warmth of their welcome towards Queen Elizabeth during the British royal visit to Ireland last May.

On a farewell visit to the city yesterday, Mrs McAleese also praised the city’s celebration of culture as exemplified by the Cork School of Music, the choral, jazz and film festivals, and UCC’s Glucksman Gallery, where she addressed a gathering of academics, business and political figures.

“Who could forget how your city welcomed Her Majesty and who could forget how your fish-monger made the Queen laugh,” she said, referring to Pat O’Connell from Cork’s English Market.

“On that history-changing first state visit to Ireland by a British monarch, you showcased Ireland’s legendary warm welcome at its best and Ireland was so proud of Cork that day.”

Mrs McAleese also reflected on the spirit of the people of Cork. “I have come here often to this former European Capital of Culture and every time it has been to marvel at the sheer energy that infuses every aspect of civic life here, where cultural life, community life, sporting life are all so rich and diverse, intensely local one minute or just as comfortably national and international the next.”

She was shown one of the major medieval Irish manuscripts, the Book of Lismore, currently on display at the Glucksman, a gallery named in honour of Dr Lewis Glucksman, a US investment banker. His wife, Loreto, was at UCC for the President’s visit.

“The Book of Lismore, which started life here in Co Cork and later emigrated to Great Britain, has made a welcome return visit to its native home, reminding us in a powerfully symbolic and practical way of the history Ireland and Britain share and our very different but complementary cultures.

“It is a reminder, too, that the once fraught relations between us have given way to a good neighbourliness and mutual generosity of spirit and esteem that augurs well for the future. We are now enjoying the best relationship we have ever had between Ireland and Great Britain.”

Mrs McAleese also spoke of the resilience of Corkonians, as seen in the aftermath of the flood that hit the city two years ago and devastated the Glucksman. “At the time it happened we thought the world had ended and would never be right again but the gallery is flourishing and, in its remarkably short story, has something to teach us about resilience.”

UCC president Dr Michael Murphy thanked Mrs McAleese “for the inspiration you have shar-ed with us and the pride you have instilled in all of us over the past 14 years”.

Lord Mayor Terry Shannon invited Mrs McAleese to return to Cork after retiring from office, reminding her that as a Freeman of the city she had the right to graze sheep on the Lee Fields.

The President promised to return to both city and county and — in a reference to her departure from the Áras — said the one thing she looked forward to was that she could do all her travelling from now on in flat shoes.