Joint Address

Message from Mayor and County Manager of Waterford.

On behalf of the people of County Waterford, we welcome you all to this wonderful, celebratory occasion. The presence of our president Mary McAleese illustrates the importance of this all island event and the respect which it has earned since its inception in 2003. President McAleese has visited countless communities around the island and has spoken passionately about the role that communities play in ensuring that the society we develop, is one which is people centred, inclusive and one which we can all be proud of. It is therefore most appropriate that the President honours us with her presence here tonight.

It is also fitting that we celebrate this great occasion in Cappoquin Community Centre which in itself is a testament to what communities can achieve when local people power is harnessed in a focussed and ambitious way.

In conclusion, we are all aware of the current difficult economic times and undoubtedly, it is during difficult times where community cohesion and co-operation, as illustrated by your endeavours, will determine how well the challenges ahead can be met.

We hope you have a memorable evening and we congratulate you all on the incredible results achieved through hard work and commitment.

                                      
         Tom Higgins                                                             Ray O’Dwyer
  Mayor of County Waterford                                       Waterford County Manager