Mary McAleese named honorary patron at Co Clare heritage site honouring ‘genius' GAA founder
Also in attendance at the ceremony were the chairpersons of Clare, Munster, Connacht and Ulster GAA, as well as local representatives from Clare County Council, the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark, Visit Clare and students of Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg Inis and Carron National School.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Dr McAleese expressed her delight at accepting the historic award, hailing Michael Cusack's impact and
'I love this place, it's magnificent, in the sense that the valley is beautiful but also bearing in mind (Michael Cusack) was born in 1847 in a tiny, thatched cottage, to poverty, death destruction and disease all around him. And from that, this little fella at the age of 14, started working at the local national school, made himself into a genius of a teacher and gave us the gift of the GAA – the gift that keeps on renewing itself.
'This place is a meitheal; it's about people giving their best and trying to create something very special in homage and in memory of him, but also as a gift to every generation that encounters the GAA, be it here in Ireland or all around the world where it features.
Dr McAleese is the independent chairperson of the integration process between the Camogie Association, the GAA, and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association. As such, her commitment to inclusivity and a sport for all is steadfast, with the former President praising the GAA for its worldwide impact.
'(The GAA) is definitely a growth area. Martin and I have been at the European Gaelic Games, the Asian Gaelic Games, our daughter has been to the Middle Eastern Gaelic games – they're everywhere.
We've been to them in New York, Sydney, Dubai and honestly, everywhere you go where two or more Irish people are gathered, they recreate that gift that Michael Cusack gave us and bring it to a new audience. It's not just the sport, it's the friendship, the inclusivity, the amateur nature, the generosity of spirit and the kindness to the stranger.
'We met so many people in Rome last year who had never stepped foot in Ireland but had played Gaelic football all over Europe, saying to us what attracted them wasn't just the sport but the welcome.'
The ceremony also launched the first trial of The Burren and Cliffs Explorer, a new hop-on hop-off shuttle bus service linking towns, villages and visitor attractions throughout North and West Clare.
Operating as a pilot project until August 31, the new service will serve landmark attractions across Clare throughout the summer, and saw Dr McAleese depart the ceremony as its inaugural passenger.
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