A speech full of remembrance and future outlook.
There's no question that the president's 2016 St. Patrick's Day address was always going to be especially significant, given the centenary celebrations, and Michael D. Higgins certainly hasn't let the nation down with this speech.
Talking about the historical importance of 1916, he urged the country to recall the founding moments of our independence, before inviting us to imagine what Ireland could yet become and achieve.
Touching on subjects such as climate change, human rights and the refugee crisis, President Higgins embraced our creative imagination and upholding of freedom against oppression.
Wishing every citizen in Ireland, and every person connected with Ireland around the world a happy St. Patrick's Day, he urged all of us to continue to develop and further establish the real republic that our founders would have sought.
Take some time out by watching the clip below...
https://youtu.be/hnzP7e_jbqo
Clip via YouTube/Áras an Uachtaráin
