The Presidential Visit 1992

(Dr. Willie Nolan)

The Presidential Visit on the Opening of Gortnahoe Community Centre 1992 Saturday 26th. September was truly a historic day for Gortnahoe.  It dawned somewhat overcast but the spirits of everyone in Gortnahoe on that day would have lifted any clouds. 

From early morning there was a buzz of excitement as volunteers descended on the village to see what they could do to put the finishing touches to the preparations.  Flowers were placed in position, flags hoisted, bunting and banners put up, lorry decorated, microphones checked, cameras loaded, seating arranged, dances and music rehearsed.  After a morning of good-humoured preparation people went home to grab a bite to eat and change into their "best" to be back in the village by 230 p.m.

 Slowly the guests started to arrive. We were honoured to have Michael Smith, the Minister for the Environment; Noel Davern, T. D.; Teresa Ahern, T. D.; Michael Ferris, T. D., our local government representatives, County Council personnel, clergy who had served in the parish or who were born here, Garda Superintendents and representatives of South East Tourism.  People were entertained while they waited by the two invited bands and were kept informed about the President's whereabouts during the long wait.  At 3.10 p. m. it was announced that Mrs. Robinson was in Thurles.

 The Moycarkey Pipe Band and Thurles Silver Band struck up their music.  The majorettes started twirling their batons.  The Guard of Honour formed by pupils from Gortnahoe National School checked their positions.  Committee members took their places. The welcoming committee went to their assembly point and on the dot of 3.30 p.m.  Whispers of "she's here!", "that's her!" were heard throughout the crowd.  The excitement was tangible.

 The President walked from her limousine and was presented with a bouquet of flowers by three old Emer Quinlan. She was welcomed to the village by Emer's father, Noel, who had been instrumental in inviting the President to Gortnahoe, and by the Chairman of the Community Association, Joe Dufficey. 

 Having taken her place on the lorry , beautifully bedecked for the occasion, Mrs. Robinson listened to the address by Joe Dufficey.  She, in turn, responded, and showed that she had been well briefed on all that had preceded her visit.  She paid tribute to all for their hard work.  She was presented with a writing set and books by the Association. These presentations were made by Mick Ryan of Gortnahoe and Canon J. Lambe, A. P., who stole the show by singing a song composed specially for the occasion.  A surprise presentation for Somalia of a cheque for £1050 donated by the school children of Gortnahoe N. S., was made by Fr. O'Rourke, P. P.  This brought an immediate response by the President who was obviously very touched by the children's gift.  Other cheques were presented by the Community Association and St. Vincent de Paul Society.  This was followed by the blessing of the hall by Reverend Edward Argyle and Fr. J. J. O'Rourke. The President made her way to the plaque which she then unveiled, declaring the hall officially open. Entertainment was then provided by local musicians and set dancers under the direction of Michael Loughnane. The President spoke to the musicians and dancers about their high standards.

 The President did a walkabout with the secretary of the Association, Breda Manton and committee members. Everyone who saw or met her thought that the President was very approachable and down to earth. Her warmth and friendliness were obvious to all. Unfortunately, her hour with us came to an end much too quickly but the euphoria of all who met her lasted long after her departure-

 Verses written by Canon John J. Lambe A.P. addressed by him to the President of Ireland, Mrs. Mary Robinson on the occasion of her opening Gortnahoe Community Centre September 26, 1992.

 

Air: “Mountains of Mourne”

O Mary, Tipperary is welcoming you,
Our border village is honoured, too.
We can see Galteemore from where we stand
And Keeper Hill on our far right hand.

And south as we look is fair Slievenamon
The mount of fair women of which you are one.
Tipperary's hills all round about
Welcome you with a three-fold shout.

Our parish is ancient, Church records have shown,
Fennor, Boulick, Kilcooley were here twelve ninety-one.
Our schools they are three, all shining and new
like their pupils -Glengoole, Ballysloe, Gortnahoe.

The hills to our left have coal good for heat
The lowlands to our right produce plenty of peat.
In between is fine farmland well worked and fertile
Beef, corn, milk are produced by our sons of the toil.

O Mary, our painting and planting is done,
Our hedges are cut and our trees have been sown,
The lawnmowers were busy, old gates were repaired,
These things were done because we cared.

We cared that our President chose to come,
Among us to share our humble home,
We thank you for your interest, encouragement and cheer,
Which you bring to our parish all gathered here.

SEE PHOTOGRAPHS