James McCutcheon
Cathaoirleach Coiste Oireachtas

T har ceann An Coiste Oireachtas ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur romhaibh uilig- moltóirí, ceoltóirí, múinteoirí, tuismitheoirí, rinceoirí agus cairde go léir sa rince- go Oireachtas Rince na hÉireann 2008 anseo i gCill Áirne.
Mo mhíle bhuíochas do achan duine a thug cabhair ar bith dúinn na comórtaisí seo a eagrú. Beidh na rinceoirí is fearr sa domhain le feiceáil ar ardán an INEC an tseachtain seo agus tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh go léir taithneamh as na gcomórtaisí go léir.

On behalf of the Coiste Oireachtas, I wish to welcome you all back to Killarney, famed for its beauty worldwide, for Oireachtas Rince na hÉireann 2008. It is a most popular venue with our competitors and I know that our many overseas visitors always look forward to visiting what is one of Ireland 's, if not the world's, most treasured spots.

I can only hope that while you are here that you take time out to enjoy the beautiful town and its pleasant surroundings. Many, many thanks to a most supportive committee for all their help and assistance, to my fellow officers, our Office Staff and to the Management and Staff of the INEC, The Brehon and Gleneagle Hotel. Our thanks also to Killarney Town Council and to all our sponsors and advertisers for theirmuch needed support.

Indeed thanks to all who helped in any way to make this event a success. This week no doubt we will be witness to the highest possible standard of dancing. May I wish allcompetitors and teachers the very best of luck and hope that above all you really enjoy yourselves and bring home with you many happy memories of this event.