Speeches by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins Áras an Uachtaráin

On Tuesday 25 June 2024, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted the fourth in a series of seven garden parties being held at Áras an Uachtarain this summer.

In his speech the President highlighted the work of those who have enriched the lives of others and who provide support services and the hand of friendship to those within our society who are in special need of care or assistance.

The tradition of hosting Garden Parties in Áras an Uachtaráin was commenced by the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde. Each year, thousands of members of the public and representatives of organisations across the country are welcomed to the Áras at a series of Garden Parties.

https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-community-day-garden-party-25-july-2024

On Saturday, 22th June 2024, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Family Day garden party at Áras an Uachtaráin.

At the third Garden Party of 2024, President Higgins acknowledged various organisations across different sectors of society all of whom work tirelessly to improve the conditions for families in all their forms.

The President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Garden Party celebrating communities in all their diversities.

In his speech the President acknowledged members of communities, community groups and activists who are building inclusive communities across Ireland.

https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-garden-party-celebrating-communities-in-all-their-diversities-2024

Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina hosted a Bloomsday Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Bloomsday, 16 June 1904, is the date immortalised in James Joyce’s 1922 novel Ulysses and named after the book’s protagonist Leopold Bloom.

Each year, the President and Sabina commence their series of summer Garden Parties with a special event to celebrate the work of James Joyce.

The importance of libraries and promoting reading was a key theme of this year’s event, with attendees including, amongst others, library staff from across the country. There was also a South Dublin County Council mobile library in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin as part of the event.

The event was MC’d by Seán Rocks and included addresses by President Higgins and historian and trade unionist Dr John Callow, along with a number of musical performances, including Andrew Basquille accompanied by Eugene Murphy, FARÓ, Simon Morgan accompanied by Vincent Lynch, and The Honeydews.

https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-bloomsday-garden-party-2024

President Higgins has been chosen by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to be the recipient of the organisation’s Agricola Medal.

The medal, which bears the Latin name for farmer, is conferred upon international figures who have undertaken outstanding efforts in advancing the cause of global food security, poverty alleviation and nutrition.

President Higgins,the first Irish recipient of the medal, received the award from the Director-General of the FAO, Dr Qu Dongyu at a reception in Áras an Uachtaráin.

https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-receives-the-united-nations-agricola-medal-from-dr-qu-dongyu-director-general-of-the-fao

President Higgins hosted a reception for the Chief Justice and Presidents of the Supreme Courts at Áras an Uachtaráin to mark 100 years since the enactment of the Courts of Justice Act 1924.