Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin was in the White House this evening, Wednesday, March 12, for the traditional presentation of a bowl of shamrock to US President Donald Trump.
The ceremony comes after the Taoiseach attended breakfast at the US Naval Observatory with Vice President JD Vance, and took part in a bilateral meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office. It also comes after the President and Taoiseach delivered remarks at the Friends of Ireland Luncheon, which was hosted by US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who also delivered remarks.
Introducing the Taoiseach during the shamrock bowl ceremony in the East Room of the White House this evening, the President said: "He's a very popular guy, which is not easy in Ireland."
Addressing the crowd in the East Room of the White House, the Taoiseach said it is a "singular honor to represent the people of Ireland as we gather to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
"The time-honored tradition of the shamrock bowl ceremony is an important moment to reflect on the relationship between our two countries."
The Taoiseach went on to highlight the contributions that the Irish made in America, adding "Irish America has been at the heart of shaping this great nation.
"The ideals of liberty, democracy, and equality of opportunity forged in this country did much to inspire Irish independence."
The Taoiseach continued: “Today, as the President has said, more than 13 million people claim Irish ancestry in the United States.
"Those who came to America seeking refuge from poverty and hunger at home worked hard. They helped build the railroads that connected this country and the skylines that defined us. Others served our communities and their adopted homes as firefighters, teachers, nurses, doctors, policemen, and soldiers. Irish people can now be found in almost every industry and community across the United States.
“Mr. President, Irish Americans have lived the American dream."
The Taoiseach then pivoted to a discussion of the strong Irish-US business relationship.
“Our island is home to a people with an outward perspective, generations of whom have looked to the United States for opportunity and inspiration," the Taoiseach said.
“We built prosperity through free and fair trade with partners all over the world and particularly here in these United States.
“Let us continue to build on that foundation, bringing ever-growing prosperity to both our great peoples.
“Let us continue to work together to make sure that we maintain that mutually beneficial two-way economic relationship that has allowed innovation and creativity and prosperity to thrive."
The Taoiseach then highlighted the US contribution to the Irish peace process.
“It was the support of the United States of America that was essential in bringing that [the conflict] to an end. One of the greatest achievements of American foreign policy, with heart-felt commitment from both sides of the aisle.
“The story of peace in Ireland is one that we wrote together. We know building peace is a difficult and painstaking task, but when the mighty United States of America puts its shoulder to the wheel, there is no mountain it cannot move."
He then segued into American efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine and the Middle East.
“Mr. President, I welcome the unrelenting focus and energy you have brought to the search for peace in Ukraine and in the Middle East since your first days in office," the Taoiseach said.
“In my view, there is nothing more noble, Mr. President, than the pursuit of peace and this is what you are doing.
“Ireland is ready to work with you and their international partners to end conflict and especially to bring just, lasting, and sustainable peace to the people of Ukraine and the people of the Middle East.
“Conflict and war hurt the most vulnerable. Too many children, in particular, have died in Gaza, in Israel, and Sudan, and too many have been abducted in Ukraine.
“Let us together never cease to strive for peace, prosperity, and opportunity for all the world's children. That would be an extraordinary achievement for the trans-Atlantic relationship and an extraordinary legacy for the ages."
Concluding his remarks, the Taoiseach - much like former US President Joe Biden did - invoked Irish poet Seamus Heaney.
“Mr. President, County Clare is one of the most beautiful places on this earth, and Doonbeg is one of its finest jewels," the Taoiseach said.
“One of Ireland's finest poets, and we've had a few, as you know, wrote of the beauty of County Clare 'along the Flaggy Shore,In September or October, when the wind And the light are working off each other.'
"And Heaney wrote about how Ireland 'catch the heart off guard and blow it open.'
“I have been to that part of Clare and I know that is true.
“Mr. President, I hope that we can welcome you to Ireland soon to catch your own heart off guard.
“You know better than anyone the beauty of a place that would take anyone's breath away.”
About the bowl of shamrock
The Department of the Taoiseach noted on Wednesday that the shamrock was provided by Living Shamrock, a company based in Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry. The fresh shamrock was grown and harvested for export with the required phytosanitary certifications.
Meanwhile, the crystal bowl presented to President Trump was created by the House of Waterford, part of the Fiskars Group, known for its fine Irish crystal production.
The Waterford shamrock bowl is adorned with motifs that blend Irish heritage with craftsmanship. The intricate patterning prominently features a trinity knot.
This emblem is deeply rooted in Celtic culture and represents the eternal interconnectedness of life through its three interweaving loops. It is also an expression of unity, strength, and endurance.
Waterford designers have introduced artful references to the United States to complement the trinity knot. The 50-point star on the base represents the states of the union, for example, and delicately etched rosettes reflect the décor of the White House.
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