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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.