By Conor Sharkey
WHEN Irish President Mary McAleese left Dublin yesterday morning, she may not have known a whole lot about her destination. Well she does now.
Ms McAleese and her husband Martin arrived at Strabane's Alley Theatre for a whirlwind round of appointments with the Chamber of Commerce, Strabane Community Project and staff and pupils of Gaelscoil Ui Dhochartaigh.
The buzz created by Tyrone's imminent appearance at Croke Park clearly appealed to the President, with her making several humorous references to the sea of red and white currently engulfing the town.
Following a brief welcome by Council Chairman Jarlath McNulty, it was down to business.
Chamber of Commerce Vice President Joe Barber said he hoped the sterling work going on here in Strabane will now be seen and heard on a much bigger stage.
Pointing to the 'Strabane is Changing' message that the Chamber has been promoting, Mr Barber said he hoped, with the President's help, this would now become 'Strabane is Changing Faster'.
Taking to the podium to rapturous applause, Mrs McAleese had one message for the people of Strabane: Partnership.
The President started by referring to the Strabane Bridges Project. It is no secret that funding has long been a problem in bringing the two pedestrian bridges to completion. But a passionate address by arguably Ireland's most influential politician could mean that funding may be a problem no longer.
"When I spoke about building bridges here in 1997, these weren't what I was referring to. But the two bridges have a very futuristic look about them and what they will do is harness the energy on both sides of the river and bring communities into each other's lives. They will allow everyone to feel the energy generated when people work together," she said.
The importance of cross-border co-operation also formed a large part of Mrs McAleese's address.
"When neighbours work together, things get done she said.
"If things are good in Strabane, vibrant and dynamic, then neighbours are benefitting and with them, you can do more.
"It is with our neighbours we build the future and like a family, when members fall out, opportunities are lost. Here in Strabane you have family left and right and it is with them that we need to build our future," she said.
"The story of Strabane is one of transcendancy and is the kind of story we need to hear.
"Listening to people today, it is clear they have a plan for this town and I wish them well in that.
"If you are successful, you will make Strabane a place to be very proud of.
"And good luck to Tyrone on Sunday," Mrs McAleese smiled.
