MORE than a few tears were shed, thousands of hugs were exchanged and life stories were swapped as Killarney played host to Ireland’s newest citizens this Monday.
And the scene will be repeated tomorrow as, over both days, a total of 5,000 people from 135 different countries receive their certificates of naturalisation and take the oath of fidelity to the Irish State.
The new citizens who were honoured at the INEC Gleneagle Arena and there were some very moving scenes throughout the day.
The VIP guests undertook to faithfully observe the law of the State and respect its democratic values and the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, welcomed the new citizens on a milestone day in their lives and in the lives of their families.
“The possibilities opened up to you in Ireland today are almost limitless. Perhaps one day, you or a child or grandchild of yours, could be up here as a government minister, or as a judge, or perhaps the President of Ireland,” he said.
Today’s proceedings were overseen by retired High Court Judge, Bryan McMahon, while, retired Circuit Court Judge, Paddy McMahon will preside tomorrow.
Most of the new citizens (982) come from the United Kingdom, 715 are from Poland, 496 from Romania, 370 from India and 201 from Nigeria.
Other countries in the top 10 are Brazil (171), Latvia (138), Philippines (137), China (113) and USA (113).
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images for details
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