MCALEESE STATEMENT:PRESIDENT MARY McAleese yesterday said in a time of economic crisis we should remember the resilience of St Patrick who overcame slavery and cruel circumstances to leave his imprint on history.
Addressing more than 200 guests in the Hyde Room of Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday, the President made reference to the challenges overcome by Ireland's patron saint.
"Beset as we are and our world is by economic crisis, we remember the young slave who was held hostage in a foreign land and who overcame cruel circumstances to leave his imprint on 1,500 years.
"Patrick's resilience and his forgiveness, his focus on the future and his faith in the Irish are a continuing source of inspiration to us as we tackle today's tough challenges. But on this day, if we can at all, we put our worries aside and join the party for fun, friendship and the crack," she said.
"We are part of a global party today, a day when Ireland showcases the very best of our culture and heritage, thanks to an army of volunteers who organise marches, lunches, dinners, exhibitions and invite Ireland's friends and family across the whole world to celebrate with us."
She also thanked poets Theo Dorgan and Thomas McCarthy, musicians from the group Caladh Nua and dancers Nicola Byrne and Alan Fox for their contribution to the reception.
President McAleese earlier attended Mass in the Pro Cathedral as well as the Dublin St Patrick's Day parade.