Irish Ambassador to Luxembourg Jean McDonald hosted her first St Patrick’s Day reception at Cercle Cité in Place d’Armes.
Addressing the crowd, which represented a rich mix from all realms of the Irish community in Luxembourg, Ambassador McDonald said the first seven months in her role have been exciting.
She noted the “warm welcome” that has been extended to her both personally and professionally since taking up her post last September.
Paying tribute to the “special bi-lateral relationship” that the two countries enjoy, Ambassador McDonald referenced the deepening ties that the Irish have created in Luxembourg in the business world as well as in the cultural and community groups that exist.
She thanked everyone for being there and extended a particular mention to her embassy team as well as three groups who, she said, brought a distinct sense of Ireland to the event.
She gave special mention to Home from Home who provided the “fabulous Irish food” that was served, as well as the talented musicians from Comhaltas [group promoting traditional Irish music and culture] who entertained the crowd. Also highlighted was the service of “the superb stagiaires” from the Shannon College of Hotel Management in Ireland, who are currently on work experience in some Luxembourg city hotels.
“As it happens, the theme for St Patrick’s Day in 2024 is about young people so it is a particular pleasure to be working with this group today,” she told the crowd.
In her address she spoke of the serious issues facing Ukraine and Gaza as well as the special partnership between Ireland and Luxembourg.
“We gather today at a difficult time for the world, from the war raging in Ukraine to a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and multiple other global crises. In such times, it becomes all the more important to not just defend but to actively promote values that we hold most dear and to work with our friends and allies to do so. We Irish are very fortunate to have strong and loyal partners in our Luxembourg friends. I have always deeply appreciated our partnership at the UN and around the EU table particularly when it comes to voicing support for the rule of law and the defence of human rights.”
