Ambassador Ó Caollaí’s St Patrick’s Day Message

BREANDÁN Ó CAOLLAÍ AMBASADÓIR NA HÉIREANN/ AMBASSADOR OF IRELAND

IS CÚIS ÁTHAIS DOM AGUS MO BHEAN CHÉILE, CARMEL, DEA-GHUÍ A CHUR AG POBAL GAELACH AGUS CAIRDE NA NGAEL IN IARTHAR NA HASTRÁILE, GUÍMID LÁ NA FÉILE PÁDRAIG FAOI SHUAIMHNEAS AGAIBH.

My wife Carmel and I are delighted to have this opportunity to send our best wishes for a most enjoyable St Patrick’s Day and festivities to the readership of The Irish Scene, which continues to be such a valuable source of information to the Irish community in Western Australia. St Patrick’s Day is one of the world’s truly global and inclusive heritage celebrations, so join the millions across the globe on this day of days. We have seldom needed such an uplifting celebration as much as we do in 2021. Enjoy the fun and celebration! 2020 was a difficult and challenging year for many in our community in Western Australia and indeed all across Australia. How much more difficult and challenging has it been for our families and friends in Ireland where the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been much greater and much more negative. We take this opportunity to salute and thank all those women and men who are working in the frontline response to this pandemic. You are true heroes, wherever you are working and whatever your contribution. We know how disappointing it is that your wonderful St Patrick’s Day Parade is not going ahead. We want to thank all those who were committed to its success and wish you well for your renewed efforts in 2022. We wish to express our sincerest best wishes to Honorary Consul, Marty Kavanagh and his dedicated team for their commitment to the advancement of Irish interests in Western Australia. I also want to thank the Claddagh Association for their tireless work for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. History has shown that we Irish are a resilient and determined people, we confront adversity and unify in our efforts to overcome whatever challenge is set before us. Now more than ever let us rally in common cause, to support the most vulnerable of our communities and make everyone feel included and part of the fun. As we say in Irish: ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’ (Our unity is our strength).

Tony and Veronica McKee

PO Box 994 Hillarys WA 6923