Speeches by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins

The President and Sabina Higgins hosted a reception to mark the 75th anniversary of the Civil Defence in Ireland.

The President and Sabina Higgins received a number of Trade Union Representatives to Áras an Uachtaráin to mark May Day.

Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins mark St. Patrick's Day by hosting a reception for groups and people that have made a particular contribution to Irish society. This year the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a reception celebrating the President's 'Samhlaíocht agus An Náisiún – Imagination and The Nation' initiative. 'Samhlaíocht agus An Náisiún – Imagination and The Nation' is an initiative to highlight the powerful and transformative role of art and creativity in the evolution of Ireland as a republic and an idea. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-st-patricks-day-reception-celebrating-samhlaiocht-agus-an-naisiun-imagination-and-the-nation

Speech by President Higgins at a Reception for the Ireland Football Team from Italia '90 by Áras an Uachtaráin

St Patrick's Day 2025 - Message from President Michael D. Higgins by Áras an Uachtaráin

Teachtaireacht Lá Fhéile Pádraig 2025 ón Uachtarán Micheál D. Ó hUigínn by Áras an Uachtaráin

The President and Sabina Higgins hosted an afternoon tea reception at Áras an Uachtaráin for members of communities from around the country. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-an-afternoon-tea-reception-12-03-25

Speech by President Higgins at a Reception Hosting Members of the South-East Fermanagh Foundation by Áras an Uachtaráin

On Thursday 6 February 2025, President Higgins conferred the symbol of the office of Saoi, the gold Torc, to Paul Muldoon at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin. Members of Aosdána may receive the honour of Saoi for singular and sustained distinction in the arts. It is the highest honour open to an Irish artist. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-confers-the-torc-symbol-of-the-office-of-saoi-on-paul-muldoon

Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D. Higgins this presented this year's Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad at a ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin. The MC for the event was Doireann Ní Bhriain. This year's ten recipients are: Séamus Coleman, Republic of Ireland international football captain Patrick Leahy, Former United States Senator Aduke Gomez, Irish-Nigerian scholar Rosalind Scanlon, Artistic Director of Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith, London Professor Enrico Terrinoni, translator of Irish literature into Italian Orla Kiely, fashion designer Sr Teresa McKeon, missionary and educator in Sierra Leone (in absentia) Mary O'Neill, legal advocate in Los Angeles Pam O'Mahony, Irish community supporter in Australia Stella O'Leary, Observer to the International Fund for Ireland The Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad recognise the service given to this country or to Irish communities abroad by those who live outside Ireland. The Awards were established by the Government following the 2011 Global Irish Economic Forum as a means to recognise the contribution of members of the Irish diaspora and were first awarded in 2012. To date, 120 people have been conferred with the award. Speaking at the ceremony, President Higgins said: “The Presidential Distinguished Service Awards enable us, as a nation, to recognise those members of our global family who have contributed, in their different ways, so significantly to Ireland's reputation on the international stage as a country that understands the migratory experience, its challenges, responsibilities and the part that transience plays in all of our shared lives. This evening's awardees follow in the footsteps of all those others, heralded or unheralded, feted or forgotten, whose quiet determination to make a contribution beyond the self makes us all proud of them and whom we also remember here today. That spirit of generosity, and those qualities of an inward being and an inclusive outward gaze which so exemplify the best of our Irishness, have been practically and magnificently demonstrated by our honoured guests through their lives, their work, and their contribution of distinguished service to Ireland and to Irish communities abroad. Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, may I thank you deeply for representing Ireland so well, and for your personal efforts, service, sacrifices, and contribution to the achievement of excellence in your various fields. Mo bhuíochas libh uilig.”

President Higgins opened the 2025 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. President Higgins is a great supporter of the BT Young Scientist & Technologist exhibition, praising it for encouraging young people to push the boundaries outwards and applying their creative energy and curiosity to a constant exploration of how the world around them can be improved.

Teachtaireacht na Nollag ón Uachtarán Micheál D. Ó hUigínn by Áras an Uachtaráin

Christmas Message from President Michael D. Higgins 2024

On Thursday, 12th December 2024, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted an afternoon tea reception at Áras an Uachtaráin for members of communities from around the country. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-an-afternoon-tea-reception-12-december-2024

On Saturday 7 December, President Michael D. Higgins switched on the Christmas tree lights at Áras an Uachtaráin. Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins welcome families to Áras an Uachtaráin, to be present for the official switching on of the Christmas lights. Since his inauguration, President Higgins has made a determined effort to open Áras an Uachtaráin to members of the public, and he has invited countless people and organisations that work on initiatives to promote social change, inclusion and practical solidarity to visit the house and surrounding gardens.

Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina welcomed the Irish Paralympic Team to Áras an Uachtaráin. The President invited the team that represented Ireland with such distinction at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games to the Áras in order to officially acknowledge the achievements of the Team in Paris over the summer of 2024. Those in attendance included, among others, Orla Comerford, who won a bronze medal in the Women's 100m sprint, Katie-George Dunlevy who won gold in the Women's individual time trial and silver medals in the Women's road race and Women's individual pursuit and her Pilot Linda Kelly, and Róisín Ní Riain, who won bronze in the 100m breaststroke. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-reception-for-team-ireland-paris-2024-paralympics

Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D. Higgins delivered the 2024 Kofi Annan Eminent Speakers' Lecture in a live online event from the State Reception Room in Áras an Uachtaráin. President Higgins was invited to deliver this year's lecture by the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina. The lecture series was launched in 2006 and in 2018 was renamed in honour of the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. The lecture has been previously delivered by seven Nobel laureates, including winners of the Nobel Peace Prize, the Nobel Prize in Literature and the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, as well as by a number of Heads of State, Heads of Government, academics and heads of global institutions.

President Higgins hosted a reception marking the 40th Anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman at Áras an Uachtaráin. The Office of the Ombudsman investigates complaints from members of the public who believe they have been unfairly treated by certain public service providers. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-hosts-a-reception-marking-the-40th-anniversary-of-the-office-of-the-ombudsman

President Higgins hosted a reception at Áras an Uachtaráin to honour the memory of those who died in the Stardust Tragedy. On Sunday 23 June 2024, President Higgins laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland at a Ceremony of Commemoration in the Garden of Remembrance, for the relatives of the victims, for the survivors and for all those affected by the Stardust Fire.

On the evening of the first day of the 2024 State Visit by H.E. Tô Lâm, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, President and Sabina Higgins hosted a State Dinner in honour of their guest. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-state-dinner-in-honour-of-h.e-to-lam-president-of-the-socialist-republic-of-vietnam

President Higgins received the Eugene O'Neill International Public Service Award from the New York-based Irish American Writers and Artists Association (IAWA). The President delivered acceptance remarks in a public event held at the Irish Arts Centre on the evening of Monday 23 September. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-receives-the-eugene-oneill-international-public-service-award

Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D. Higgins hosted a reception at Áras an Uachtaráin for the athletes who represented Ireland with such distinction at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-reception-for-team-ireland-paris-2024

Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D. Higgins, addressed the UN Summit of the Future at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Invited to address the UN Summit of the Future by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who has convened the Summit during the High-Level Week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, President Higgins will speak of a form of the United Nations which can represent the people of the world in the interacting crises which we face and be responsive. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-addresses-united-nations-summit-of-the-future-in-new-york

The President and Sabina Higgins received representatives of the Dunnes Stores Anti-Apartheid Strikers at Áras an Uachtaráin. 19th July is the 40th anniversary of the commencement of the Dunnes Stores Anti-Apartheid strike, which commenced on 19 July 1984 when Mary Manning refused to handle the sale of grapefruit from South Africa. To mark the anniversary, the President and Sabina met with strikers Liz Deasy, Karen Gearon, Sandra Griffin, Mary Manning, Theresa Mooney, Vonnie Munroe McCue, Cathryn O Reilly, Alma Russell and Michelle Sherlock at the Áras.

The President and Sabina Higgins hosted a special Presidential Concert, celebrating Irish Music Month 2024. In his speech President Higgins recognised the many different groups, organisations and individual citizens who have contributed so much to Irish music, whether as musicians, songwriters, singers, composers or the many who work in the wider music sector, including in Irish radio. The concert was the final in a series of Garden Parties held at Áras an Uachtaráin, organised by the President and Sabina Higgins, to celebrate people and organisations who work on themes that the President wishes to highlight. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-a-concert-celebrating-irish-music-month-and-local-radio-stations

In the penultimate Garden Party of 2024, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a garden party celebrating the trade union movement. Through the theme of this garden party, President Higgins reflected, and celebrated, the trade union movement all that has been achieved in the long and difficult struggle for workers' rights in Ireland, and across the globe. The garden party celebrated the work of current and past activists fighting for workers' rights and standing in solidarity with colleagues, fellow citizens, and with people all over the world, in struggles against injustice, inequality and exclusion in the workplace. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-higgins-host-a-garden-party-celebrating-the-trade-union-movement

The theme of the fifth garden party of 2024 was ‘Life Below Water' – Protecting our Oceans, Sustainable Development Goal 14. The President and Sabina Higgins welcomed members of our communities and activists who are dedicating themselves to fostering a sustainable future for the citizens of Ireland and beyond. In his speech, President Higgins reaffirmed our commitment to safeguarding, conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and the vast and vital marine resources that our oceans provide.

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.

President Higgins hosted a dinner for His Excellency, Mr. Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy at Áras an Uachtaráin. The dinner follows the October 2023 meeting between the two Presidents as part of a five-day programme which President Higgins undertook in Rome and the Holy See to coincide with his participation in the 2023 World Food Forum. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-hosts-a-dinner-for-h.e-mr-sergio-mattarella-president-of-italy

President Higgins addressed the Annual Dóchas Conference. Dóchas is an Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations Founded from the belief that every human being is fundamentally equal, working to protect and support the most vulnerable in society. This year's conference titled 'Dóchas at 50: Sustainable Development in a Time of Climate Crisis', celebrated five decades of collaboration amongst International development and humanitarian organisations in Ireland, and their collective vision for a just, equal and sustainable world. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-addresses-the-dochas-50th-anniversary-conference

President Higgins delivered the inaugural lecture in a new annual series of lectures which will run at the University of Manchester. Titled the John Kennedy Lecture Series, the lectures will run for five years as part of the University's School of Arts, Languages and Cultures. The title of the inaugural lecture, presented by President Higgins, is ‘Of the consciousness our times need in responding to interacting crises and the role of Universities as spaces of discourse in facilitating it'.

President Higgins was conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Letters honoris causa by the Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Nazir Afzal OBE, in recognition of his extensive and significant contributions to literature and public life. The citation was read by Professor John McAuliffe, Reader in Modern Literature and Creative Writing and Co-Director of the New Writing Centre at the University. The conferral ceremony, with a dinner in the President's honour, took place place at the Whitworth Art Gallery, which forms part of the University. The ceremony was attended by the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell.

On Sunday 28 January, President Higgins delivered the keynote address at the Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration. The annual Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration cherishes the memory of all who perished in the Holocaust. It recalls six million Jewish men, women and children and millions of others who were persecuted and murdered by the Nazis because of their ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliations or their religious beliefs. Audio courtesy of Holocaust Education Ireland. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-delivers-keynote-address-at-the-2024-national-holocaust-memorial-day-commemoration

President Higgins opened the 2024 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. The event brings together some of the country's brightest young minds as they compete to take home the title of BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year.

Teachtaireacht Na Nollag Ón Uachtarán Ó HUigínn 2023 by Áras an Uachtaráin

Christmas Message From President Higgins 2023 by Áras an Uachtaráin

On Saturday 9 December, President Michael D. Higgins switched on the Christmas tree lights at Áras an Uachtaráin. Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins welcome families to Áras an Uachtaráin, to be present for the official switching on of the Christmas lights. Since his inauguration, President Higgins has made a determined effort to open Áras an Uachtaráin to members of the public, and he has invited countless people and organisations that work on initiatives to promote social change, inclusion and practical solidarity to visit the house and surrounding gardens. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-the-annual-tree-lighting-ceremony-2023

President Higgins launched Volumes 1 and 2 of collected work from his Machnamh 100 series at a reception in Áras an Uachtaráin. Machnamh 100 is an initiative of President Higgins that builds on his extensive work to date during Ireland's Decade of Commemorations that has examined and explored seminal events such as the Lockout of 1913, the First World War, The Easter Rising, the Flu Pandemic, the election of 1918 and the first Dáil. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-launches-machnamh-100-centenary-reflections-volumes-1-and-2

President Higgins delivered the Economic and Social Research Institute's 2023 Geary Lecture at an event in Áras an Uachtaráin. The Geary lecture is organised each year by the ESRI and honours Dr R. C. Geary (1896 –1983), the first Director of the Institute. Dr Geary is regarded as the most eminent Irish statistician of the twentieth century. Lectures have been given by some of the world's foremost scholars in the fields of economics, statistics and sociology, including a number of Nobel Prize winners. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-delivers-the-economic-and-social-research-institutes-geary-lecture

President Higgins hosted a special reception to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims at Áras an Uachtaráin where he welcomed a number of family members of those who have tragically lost their lives on the road, as well as committee members of victim's groups. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-hosts-a-reception-to-mark-world-day-of-remembrance-for-road-traffic-victims

President Higgins delivered a keynote address the Closing Ceremony of the World Food Forum on Friday 20th October. The Closing Ceremony was attended by member Representatives as well as all participants of the World Food Forum including members and those participating in the youth, science and investment forums. The President addressed the topic: "What advice would you give to the youth to achieve agri-food systems' transformation?" to inspire the audience to work together to accelerate the transformation of our agri-food systems and to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

President Higgins launched the Ireland and the Birth of Europe exhibition, part of a series of events to mark 50 years of Ireland's EU membership, at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-opens-exhibition-ireland-and-the-birth-of-europe

President Higgins held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries. Ireland is a founding member of IFAD and has contributed US$63.6 million to the Fund's regular resources since it was established in 1977. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-meets-mr-alvaro-lario-president-of-the-international-fund-for-agricultural-development

On the occasion of President Michael D. Higgins' visit to Rome, H.E. Patricia O'Brien, Ambassador of Ireland to Italy and H.E. Frances Collins, Ambassador of Ireland to Holy See, hosted a reception at the Villa Spada, the residence of the Ambassador of Ireland to Italy, for selected representatives of the Irish community. https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-attend-a-reception-for-the-irish-community-in-rome23

At the invitation of the Director General of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Dr. QU Dongyu, President Higgins delivered a speech at the World Food Forum grand opening ceremony.

At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, President Higgins participated in a meeting of the ‘Arraiolos Group' of EU Presidents. The meeting was attended by14 non-executive Presidents of European Union member states who discussed contemporary issues. The Arraiolos Group is an informal meeting of Presidents of European Union member states. Meeting once a year, the Arraiolos Group, named after the Portuguese town where the first meeting took place in 2003, provides a political forum for the Presidents of parliamentary republics in the EU to consider responses to the challenges facing their societies, and to promote the principles of multilateralism.