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| This is part of the booklet "The Last King, Donal IX MacCarthy Mór, King of Desmond and the Two Munsters, 1558-1596". |
UACHTARÁN NA hÉIREANN President of Ireland |
The booklet is web published here by permission of The MacCarthy Clan Society, Kanturk, Co. Cork. |
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ROBINSON
In my Address to the Houses of the Oireachtas last year I spoke about Cherishing the Irish Diaspora and the need for appropriate fora for dialogue and interaction with the members of the Diaspora. Clan gatherings facilitate this process in a dynamic way, linking members on a truly international scale. Motivated by members' ardent interest in their shared heritage, the gatherings have become increasingly popular and are now bringing a new vibrancy to the social and cultural calendar in Ireland.
The goodwill and affection for Ireland of the descendants of the great Irish families now dispersed throughout the world are especially heartening. I extend a warm welcome as you gather in celebration of your clan history and heritage. The act of remembrance, which is the foundation of each gathering, is especially appropriate at a time when we are commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Great Potato Famine. Many clans will also be commemorating defining events in their own clans's history.
Cuirim fáilte ar leith romhaibh go léir agus tá súil agam go n-éireoidh thar barr le bhur gcruinniú. Go n-éirí go geal libh.
MARY ROBINSON
PRESIDENT OF IRELAND