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'I'm so happy' - over 1,000 people conferred with Irish citizenship

Friday, 10 Mar 2023

Updated / Friday, 10 Mar 2023 21:08

By Conor Hunt

Over 1,000 applicants from more than 100 countries were conferred as

Irish citizens today.

The event in Dublin was the first in-person citizenship ceremony in the

capital for six years.

An air of excitement fell on the RDS this morning, as hundreds of

people made their way into Hall number 2 for the event.

Originally from every corner of the globe, they would leave as Irish

citizens.

"We love this country and we have two kids here. They're Irish and we

too will be Irish now. It's so exciting," says Neha Awashti.

"I've been here since 1991, 32 years and Brexit finally drove me to

it," says Tania Slaughter, originally from England.

"I've been meaning to do it forever, and I'm really delighted, I'm so

excited."

This was a celebration rather than a more formal affair.

Today's event and the ceremony around it was important, said the

Minister for Integration, Roderic O'Gorman.

Especially at a time when far right rhetoric is, seemingly, on the

rise.

"Those things are concerning. Government are bringing forward the

National Action Plan on Racism later this week. But, at the end of the

day, what we are seeing, more Irish communities welcoming people into

their communities, and I think today's celebration is further evidence

of that."

All told, 1,500 people were conferred with Irish citizenship today.

"I'm so happy. Today's my happiest day on Earth because I know what it

means to be an Irish citizen," said Ayo Fabuyide.

"I feel very happy, fulfilled, excited, complete," said Olu Wabulmi.

Some of the journeys may have taken longer than others, but they are

all now Irish citizens.