Poland in Ireland

It was attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Oireachtas, the world of culture, science, academia, administration and business. The reception was also attended by the Deputy Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché Col. Robert Pawlicki.

The guest of honour was Mr. Bertie Ahern, who was Taoiseach at the time of Poland’s EU accession 20 years ago. Our special guest was Mrs. Marie Heaney, the wife of Irish poet and Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney who wrote the poem "Beacons at Bealtaine" to celebrate the EU Enlargement on May 1^st 2004 in Dublin. He was a great friend to Poland  and interested in Polish poetry, literature, and history for years. He befriended Czesław Miłosz, to whom he dedicated the poem "The Master", and he was well acquainted with the poetry of Zbigniew Herbert. Moreover, together with Stanisław Barańczak, he translated "Laments" by Jan Kochanowski, one of the greatest works of Renaissance XVI-century poetry. Interestingly the next day the Department of Foreign Affairs organised a celebration of 20 years of membership where again Seamus Heaney’s poem was the main focus and Marie Heaney and her family were the guests of honour.

All the speeches were exceptionally inspiring and addressed the central role of Poland in the European community, the success that Poland and Polish people made of the enlargement of 2004 as well as the vital part that the numerous Polish community plays in the Irish society. The Polish Ambassador also made references to the long-standing Polish-Irish friendship and historical figures that connect us, such as Seamus Heaney, Countess Constance Markievicz, prof. Jan Łukasiewicz and Count Paul Edmund Strzelecki.

Ambassador Rzegocki underlined Poland’s and Ireland’s unwavering support for Ukraine. He told all the guests and the present Ukrainian ambassador Larysa Gerasko that supporting Ukraine will continue to be Poland’s priority. Ukraine has the right to shape its future in an independent and sovereign manner as well as within its internationally recognised borders.

The Ambassador also stressed the significance of May as the Polish month. After the 20th anniversary of accession to the EU, Labour Day, on May 2nd, we celebrate the Day of Polonia and Poles Abroad, as well as the Polish Flag Day and May 3rd marks the anniversary of the adoption of the constitution in 1791. In many countries such as Ireland Polish diaspora and friends of Poland celebrate Polish Heritage Days.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern gave a moving speech recalling the EU Enlargement of 2004. He underlined the importance of Poland joining the EU and of the significant contribution Polish people make in Ireland.

The official part of the reception began by the national anthems of Poland and Ireland performed by the young Polish musicians Natalia Jaworek (violin) and Jakub Ładowski (piano), who also later delighted guests with a nocturne by Chopin. During the event Polish wine from the Jantoń vineyard was served, which had been especially imported for this occasion. On the walls artwork was displayed by the talented Irish–based Polish painter Paweł Jasiński.

Thank you to all the guests, who came to celebrate with us the Polish National Day and 20 years of Poland in the EU!