Britain still occupies six Irish counties, has its military on Irish soil and still denies Irish freedom. Welcoming their head of state while Ireland remains unfree is a bending of the knee. I wonder will the Royal Telifis Eireann employee reading this comment allow it to be posted?
@RonainMacCathain What is your definition of freedom if not self government and the right of the majority of people in a particular region to determine by which government they wish to be ruled?
What a truly wonderful speech. I'm a great-grandson of a protestant from Cork, but my blood is basically English. I ran away from bombs in London twenty years ago and got used to seeing pictures of people being torn assunder in all parts of our shared islands. Olivia O'Leary said things I can't say to Her Majesty because I am, in my heart, Her subject.....but Olivia spoke for all of us, I hope. A thousand million hopes. God Bless Ireland and God Save The Queen.
I admit to being worried as she started the speech. Clearly, Ms. O'Leary's family has been at the front of the defense of Ireland in times past and, if pushed, would be today, obviously. Therefore, her words must carry added weight. Perhaps that is the reason, in the end, I was left with feelings of both decorum and mutual respect by her speech before the Queen. Ireland, standing as an equal among nations, honoring the head of state of another nation. What can be more independent?
I agree with NQTabroad. This speech by Olivia O'Leary was totally cringeworthy. It was like speaking about them behind their backs. Her personal comments about the petite woman and tall man were inappropriate. Olivia O'Leary was not going to be a 'safe pair of hands' for this speech. Someone in authority should have been appointed to check over what she was going to come out with. And I don't mean Gay Burne.
This was a low point on an otherwise fantastic visit. Got off to a bad start and didn't get better. Did not strike the right tone and the audience knew it. Almost blew the feelgood factor of revious few days.
@Noid111 I may accept your point about Westlife, but not the Chieftains, surely?!? If the Queen did indeed (as you put it) "curtsey (sic) to Ireland", it was in the personal knowledge that there were wrongs to redress; this is generosity, not having one's nose rubbed in it. Interesting choice of words in "rebel's memorial" and surely there was more than one? The Queen btw spoke Irish, not Gaelic, unless I didn't see that she was playing football at the time :-D
Extraordinary that this speech contained more balance than all the other craven, boot licking that was served up throughout the visit. Most of it crass and shameful. I can't imagine any other european democracy reacting like this to any visitor. It was horrible and lacking in dignity & taste. I know the visit had to be done but Christ, what an excruciating display by the locals!
Did not like this, was not suitable for occasion, was not entertaining, don't like Olivia speaking on my behalf, Queen did not seem to pay much attention to Olivia afterwards, whereas she had warm greeting for other participants, what do we care about Olivia's grandfather piano exploits, a bit like subjecting the bride to a critique of her dress as part of best man speech,
@ismaithliomchocolate I used my iPod to find out. The piece is "Woodbrook" by Michael O'Suilleabhain and can be found on the album "Celtic Moods [Virgin].
@NQTabroad No she didn't. The entire speech was built around the historical premise that she was the first British monarch to visit in a 100 years! Beside, the Queen is a person, not a deity in the way that the Japanese believed their emperor was divine. Are you by any chance on medication?
@NQTabroad Completely agree. It was arrogant and disrespectful. Not in the spirit of reconciliation at all. I think the Queen knows we don't bow to no-one, she acknowledged that by paying respects at the garden of rememberance. Why make a point-scoring issue out it at an event like this. Jesus Olivia, put a sock in it would you, you sour old trout.
@DublinVideoTube Fairly sure it's Woodbrook by Irish composer Micheal O Suilleabhain. It was featured in a memorable RTE radio documentary on the personal memoir Woodbrook, by David Thomson, which is itself a very good cameo of British /Irish, Catholic/Protestant relations in the early/mid twentieth century, and is also a nostalgic and achingly poignant read.
For me this speech is the most important one of the visit. I am an Irish man living in Australia and over here for many people( being so far away), it is all the British Isles,Ireland included and there seems to be an attitude of 'Why do Irish people make such a fuss'. We have a very powerful culture and history equal to our neighbors. Olivia personified the difference. Nobody worldwide would talk like this in front of the queen of england. Nobody else in the world would have the balls.
ffs this woman is driving me nuts. Did she have to be so crass? Has she no generosity? It's not about equality but about rubbing The Queen's and Britain's nose in it. I can't think of one point to the trip which hasn't involved The Queen having to curtsey to Ireland. So The Queen has to bow the head to the rebel's memorial, Croke Park, speak Gaelic, listen to this and worst of all be tortured by Westlife. What has the poor woman done to deserve this?
@Noid111 by some of your comments i'm guessing you are not from the ROI. I am and i believe it was a well thought out speech. She said what everyone outside of the queens circle are saying in Ireland.
@Noid111 The Queen got off lightly with Westlife. Poor Obama got Jedward ! -or did he miss them?I think he did. He was probably warned in a dream and that's why he delayed so long in Moneygall . Olivia for President, by the way!
Good speech & summary of a historic visit. Nothing but respect for the Royals after this ! Laying a wreath & bowing for those who fought & died for Irish Independence & for 50k Irishmen who died in WW1, Speaking Irish & acknowledging \ regretting her countries past wrongs did it for me. Previously I was sceptical & neither liked or disliked them but they things I saw & heard this week caused a shift in my mindset . Anybody I talk to feels the same ! Northern Irishman
@MissMaire9 what are you talking about. This was an excellent speech. She got it spot on, being able to meet as equals is something wonderful, time to move on and enjoy it.
Wonderful speech, capturing the spirit of a respectful, confident Irish nation. Extending the hand of friendship to our closest neighbour and reflecting genuinely on the events of the preceding days. Well done.
A wonderful piece, capturing a lot of the true feelings of many people at the Queen's visit - a symbolic but only that one. I thought it was the only highlight of the night.
" it's nice to seem them coming , and nice to see them go ", the banning of the possession of the Irish National flag , by the Gardai , under section 22 ,was more than silly though .
This was the low point of the evening IMO. Olivia O'Leary was more than disrespectful to the Queen! What I heard was: "We will accept you, but we won't respect you". And your point was, Olivia? Gay Byrne was wrong - O'Leary was a bad choice to have written this embarrassing essay for the Queen. I can only imagine how uncomfortable Her Majesty must have felt. It was a bad moment on this historic trip, IMO.
@jlangford, I can only presume you must be one of the Celtic Tiger Cubs - the breed that know nothing of old Irish Humour.? The Irish Humour I know & love does not include insults & crass comments..
@caneetell You missed the point entirely. Well, too bad for you. The speech was measured, witty, and appropriate, Olivia O' Leary is great. I'd be interested to hear your counter arguments. But I doubt they exist.
@jlangford and if all that I have ever heard or read of the Queen is correct then it appears that she does have a fine appreciation of the humour in a situation and would enjoy "our type of humour".
@caneetell I really don't think that you were listening all that well ; I'm a Brit and I could see that Olivia was referring to what she felt were Irish problems in accepting the legacy of the past (as per the example of her post-box). I felt that this was a warm personal tribute, with some gentle humour not just about the Queen (ie the reference to the caution re/ the Guinness) but about the Irish in their reaction to the Queen. It was a warm but also thought-provoking essay.
@deGency Thank you for your thoughtful response. This was a brave speech by Olivia; it didn't hide behind euphemism, it poked "gentle fun" as you rightly say, at each countries own proprietorial sensitivities and it also opened to the door to critical historical reflection for both nations and people. It was a great week to be Irish and to be British. Hats off to our President and your Queen for a job well done and to Olivia O'Leary for marking it humourously and intelligently.
@breedak Thank you for your reply, and I agree 'twas a good time to be lrish/British. Is is a coincidence that all the major players here were women (I include here Mary Robinson)? Now, about those completely wrong cricket and rugby results..... :-D
@caneetell , agree with this, i thought it was cringeworthy, i never had any time for olivia o leary anyway, it was a bad choice to choose her, did rte have an input into choosing her, i agree with another posting it was dublin 4 in tone and not a truly irish response
One less heretic in the New Israel... The waters are nasty and deadly off of Peter's Barque Ms. O'Leary ...
Yankeegator 1 month ago
Britain still occupies six Irish counties, has its military on Irish soil and still denies Irish freedom. Welcoming their head of state while Ireland remains unfree is a bending of the knee. I wonder will the Royal Telifis Eireann employee reading this comment allow it to be posted?
RonainMacCathain 1 month ago
@RonainMacCathain What is your definition of freedom if not self government and the right of the majority of people in a particular region to determine by which government they wish to be ruled?
enzedbrit 1 month ago
What a truly wonderful speech. I'm a great-grandson of a protestant from Cork, but my blood is basically English. I ran away from bombs in London twenty years ago and got used to seeing pictures of people being torn assunder in all parts of our shared islands. Olivia O'Leary said things I can't say to Her Majesty because I am, in my heart, Her subject.....but Olivia spoke for all of us, I hope. A thousand million hopes. God Bless Ireland and God Save The Queen.
stalbanslad 2 months ago
Olivia is my father's first cousin and I heard family history I didn't know!!! She did a good job of this. Fearless and honest. Proud of her!!!
gaiamethod 5 months ago
Great video
petarphyle 5 months ago
she use to be in my mums class :D
JohnAdams198805 6 months ago
Classy lady!
magpie4321 7 months ago
I admit to being worried as she started the speech. Clearly, Ms. O'Leary's family has been at the front of the defense of Ireland in times past and, if pushed, would be today, obviously. Therefore, her words must carry added weight. Perhaps that is the reason, in the end, I was left with feelings of both decorum and mutual respect by her speech before the Queen. Ireland, standing as an equal among nations, honoring the head of state of another nation. What can be more independent?
hgmanning1862 8 months ago
I agree with NQTabroad. This speech by Olivia O'Leary was totally cringeworthy. It was like speaking about them behind their backs. Her personal comments about the petite woman and tall man were inappropriate. Olivia O'Leary was not going to be a 'safe pair of hands' for this speech. Someone in authority should have been appointed to check over what she was going to come out with. And I don't mean Gay Burne.
swl4042gr 9 months ago
This was a low point on an otherwise fantastic visit. Got off to a bad start and didn't get better. Did not strike the right tone and the audience knew it. Almost blew the feelgood factor of revious few days.
kgoshel2575 9 months ago
Queen Elizabeth Dublin concert
dexietable 9 months ago
@Noid111 I may accept your point about Westlife, but not the Chieftains, surely?!? If the Queen did indeed (as you put it) "curtsey (sic) to Ireland", it was in the personal knowledge that there were wrongs to redress; this is generosity, not having one's nose rubbed in it. Interesting choice of words in "rebel's memorial" and surely there was more than one? The Queen btw spoke Irish, not Gaelic, unless I didn't see that she was playing football at the time :-D
deGency 9 months ago
Brillant.
JugsBrannigan 9 months ago
Extraordinary that this speech contained more balance than all the other craven, boot licking that was served up throughout the visit. Most of it crass and shameful. I can't imagine any other european democracy reacting like this to any visitor. It was horrible and lacking in dignity & taste. I know the visit had to be done but Christ, what an excruciating display by the locals!
dermotwalker 9 months ago
Go hAlainn Olivia!
AnnJulia1983 9 months ago
Did not like this, was not suitable for occasion, was not entertaining, don't like Olivia speaking on my behalf, Queen did not seem to pay much attention to Olivia afterwards, whereas she had warm greeting for other participants, what do we care about Olivia's grandfather piano exploits, a bit like subjecting the bride to a critique of her dress as part of best man speech,
MikeyMike2900 9 months ago
Brilliant speech
bobbyRing96 9 months ago
Add me on ps3 Teriba-79
TheAdeTeriba 9 months ago
Well done Olivia ... Ireland to rise from
It's economic ashes as a better place
damoleinsterful 9 months ago
@ismaithliomchocolate I used my iPod to find out. The piece is "Woodbrook" by Michael O'Suilleabhain and can be found on the album "Celtic Moods [Virgin].
-Tom
Tehkseven4ever 9 months ago
class! we loved having queen over! what happened, happened in 1916 etc. it over a long time now!
PRODRIFTER46 9 months ago
This was so cringeworthy. She spoke about the Queen like she wasn t even there!
NQTabroad 9 months ago
@NQTabroad No she didn't. The entire speech was built around the historical premise that she was the first British monarch to visit in a 100 years! Beside, the Queen is a person, not a deity in the way that the Japanese believed their emperor was divine. Are you by any chance on medication?
dermotwalker 9 months ago
@NQTabroad Completely agree. It was arrogant and disrespectful. Not in the spirit of reconciliation at all. I think the Queen knows we don't bow to no-one, she acknowledged that by paying respects at the garden of rememberance. Why make a point-scoring issue out it at an event like this. Jesus Olivia, put a sock in it would you, you sour old trout.
mccoma66 9 months ago
Anybody know the piano piece that starts around 13 seconds?
DublinVideoTube 9 months ago
@DublinVideoTube It's a piece called "Woodbrook" by Micheál Ó Súilleabháin.
RockPaperMario 9 months ago
@DublinVideoTube I think it might be : an old maid in the garret.
MrKnockna 9 months ago
@DublinVideoTube I actually heard this on the radio this morning and was wondering the same thing. Did anyone reply?
ismaithliomchocolate 9 months ago
@ismaithliomchocolate It's from Dolphin's Way by Míchéal Ó Súlleabháin. Not sure of the track name.
31fergus 9 months ago
@ismaithliomchocolate it's Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin but I don't know the name - he played it at the IFTAs this year
geogchick 9 months ago
@geogchick the music u hear is by Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin..ITS CALLED WOODBROOK ALBUM CELTIC MOODS..HOPE IT HELPS :)
lac6480 8 months ago
@DublinVideoTube It's called Woodbrook by Michael O Suilleabhain :)
mMmCH33se 9 months ago
@DublinVideoTube its from an album by michael o sullivan he uses his name in irish and again its titled in irish so in english the island.
sunnyvally 9 months ago
@DublinVideoTube It's called Woodbrook, composed by Michael O'Suilleabhain.
jarsonist 9 months ago
@DublinVideoTube Fairly sure it's Woodbrook by Irish composer Micheal O Suilleabhain. It was featured in a memorable RTE radio documentary on the personal memoir Woodbrook, by David Thomson, which is itself a very good cameo of British /Irish, Catholic/Protestant relations in the early/mid twentieth century, and is also a nostalgic and achingly poignant read.
alipitogen 9 months ago
@DublinVideoTube I *think* it may be a Micheal O'Suilleabhain piece...
geogchick 9 months ago
For me this speech is the most important one of the visit. I am an Irish man living in Australia and over here for many people( being so far away), it is all the British Isles,Ireland included and there seems to be an attitude of 'Why do Irish people make such a fuss'. We have a very powerful culture and history equal to our neighbors. Olivia personified the difference. Nobody worldwide would talk like this in front of the queen of england. Nobody else in the world would have the balls.
MrJoemcmanus 9 months ago
BRILLIANT..................
fintanM38 9 months ago
That was a perfect speech. And I'll tell you what, it'll be studied in Irish schools for years to come.
Olivia O'Leary, that was simply, simply brilliant.
thedoc241000 9 months ago
ffs this woman is driving me nuts. Did she have to be so crass? Has she no generosity? It's not about equality but about rubbing The Queen's and Britain's nose in it. I can't think of one point to the trip which hasn't involved The Queen having to curtsey to Ireland. So The Queen has to bow the head to the rebel's memorial, Croke Park, speak Gaelic, listen to this and worst of all be tortured by Westlife. What has the poor woman done to deserve this?
Noid111 9 months ago
@Noid111 by some of your comments i'm guessing you are not from the ROI. I am and i believe it was a well thought out speech. She said what everyone outside of the queens circle are saying in Ireland.
nbeggs 9 months ago
@Noid111 Your an idiot ..
StickyGreenIRE 9 months ago
@Noid111 Try imagining 800 years of oppression and you may get an inkling.
clydebear 9 months ago
@Noid111 The Queen got off lightly with Westlife. Poor Obama got Jedward ! -or did he miss them?I think he did. He was probably warned in a dream and that's why he delayed so long in Moneygall . Olivia for President, by the way!
alipitogen 9 months ago
Good speech & summary of a historic visit. Nothing but respect for the Royals after this ! Laying a wreath & bowing for those who fought & died for Irish Independence & for 50k Irishmen who died in WW1, Speaking Irish & acknowledging \ regretting her countries past wrongs did it for me. Previously I was sceptical & neither liked or disliked them but they things I saw & heard this week caused a shift in my mindset . Anybody I talk to feels the same ! Northern Irishman
fishingkayaking 9 months ago 29
A real low point on what would have been a near perfect four days.
I cringed.
The only bit I like was the last line...and she stole that.
MissMaire9 9 months ago
@MissMaire9 what are you talking about. This was an excellent speech. She got it spot on, being able to meet as equals is something wonderful, time to move on and enjoy it.
Frankieireland 9 months ago
@MissMaire9 well how about jus don't comment then, cos no-one really wants to hear your negativity at a time like this
MrElectricSkittles 9 months ago
Wonderful speech, capturing the spirit of a respectful, confident Irish nation. Extending the hand of friendship to our closest neighbour and reflecting genuinely on the events of the preceding days. Well done.
ec1966 9 months ago 2
@caneetelli agree
Gogeesusan 9 months ago
A wonderful piece, capturing a lot of the true feelings of many people at the Queen's visit - a symbolic but only that one. I thought it was the only highlight of the night.
darraghdoyle 9 months ago
I am an Irish American who was touched by Olivia's speech. Bravo!
BrianWallChess 9 months ago
Awful
Gogeesusan 9 months ago
A BIT LIKE THE GRANDKIDS EH !
" it's nice to seem them coming , and nice to see them go ", the banning of the possession of the Irish National flag , by the Gardai , under section 22 ,was more than silly though .
BRIAN/BIFF1.
imbiff1 9 months ago
bet there was some amount of D4 tossers at that event.
JJDevaney82 9 months ago 2
This was the low point of the evening IMO. Olivia O'Leary was more than disrespectful to the Queen! What I heard was: "We will accept you, but we won't respect you". And your point was, Olivia? Gay Byrne was wrong - O'Leary was a bad choice to have written this embarrassing essay for the Queen. I can only imagine how uncomfortable Her Majesty must have felt. It was a bad moment on this historic trip, IMO.
caneetell 9 months ago
@caneetell
The Queen's has to know and learn OUR type of humour and freindship, as do you, obviously. OO'L was spot on.
jlangford 9 months ago 2
@jlangford, I can only presume you must be one of the Celtic Tiger Cubs - the breed that know nothing of old Irish Humour.? The Irish Humour I know & love does not include insults & crass comments..
caneetell 9 months ago
@caneetell You missed the point entirely. Well, too bad for you. The speech was measured, witty, and appropriate, Olivia O' Leary is great. I'd be interested to hear your counter arguments. But I doubt they exist.
claney01 9 months ago
@jlangford and if all that I have ever heard or read of the Queen is correct then it appears that she does have a fine appreciation of the humour in a situation and would enjoy "our type of humour".
OO'L was spot on!!!
pjdonagh 9 months ago
@caneetell I really don't think that you were listening all that well ; I'm a Brit and I could see that Olivia was referring to what she felt were Irish problems in accepting the legacy of the past (as per the example of her post-box). I felt that this was a warm personal tribute, with some gentle humour not just about the Queen (ie the reference to the caution re/ the Guinness) but about the Irish in their reaction to the Queen. It was a warm but also thought-provoking essay.
deGency 9 months ago 2
@deGency Thank you for your thoughtful response. This was a brave speech by Olivia; it didn't hide behind euphemism, it poked "gentle fun" as you rightly say, at each countries own proprietorial sensitivities and it also opened to the door to critical historical reflection for both nations and people. It was a great week to be Irish and to be British. Hats off to our President and your Queen for a job well done and to Olivia O'Leary for marking it humourously and intelligently.
breedak 9 months ago 9
@breedak Thank you for your reply, and I agree 'twas a good time to be lrish/British. Is is a coincidence that all the major players here were women (I include here Mary Robinson)? Now, about those completely wrong cricket and rugby results..... :-D
deGency 9 months ago
@caneetell , agree with this, i thought it was cringeworthy, i never had any time for olivia o leary anyway, it was a bad choice to choose her, did rte have an input into choosing her, i agree with another posting it was dublin 4 in tone and not a truly irish response
joesod 9 months ago
@caneetell my sentiment exactly
MikeyMike2900 9 months ago
Go hiontach ar fad. Tá Olivia ar fheabhas. :)
greysanatomy2577 9 months ago 2
captured the mood both literally and metaphorically!!! captivating, thank you Olivia!!!
hemulcahy 9 months ago
Wonderful-I say that as an Irish man culturally and linguistically. Go h-iontach.
Massev6871 9 months ago
Olivia, you captured the mood perfectly for me, well done!
bbhannig 9 months ago 2
great stuff.
collieennis 9 months ago
Comment removed
jetulik 9 months ago
terrible
seanogcarey 9 months ago
Brilliant speech Olivia. Thank you for expressing our thougts so elequently.
gubbnet 9 months ago 2
fantastic ! caught the mood perfectly delighted to have "her" here but never going to bow or curtesy
lukedavidkavanagh 9 months ago
excellent piece, here's to the lads lads who lay on top of the organ in Trinity; hilarious
CORKHEGO 9 months ago