New Ambassadors present Credentials - 27 May 2025

Her Excellency, Jana Costachi, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova and Her Excellency, Chantelle Taylor, Ambassador of Australia, presented their Letters of Credence to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

Her Excellency, Jana Costachi, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova, was accompanied by Ms. Aliona Rusu, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova.

Her Excellency, Chantelle Taylor, Ambassador of Australia was accompanied by her spouse Mr. Ashley Grimmer, her daughter Ms. Indira Grimmer, her son Mr. Gabriel Grimmer and Mr. James Hazell, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Australia.

Sean Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, attended to represent the government.

The following were also present: Mr. George Burke, Deputy Secretary General to the President; Mr. Joe Hackett, Secretary General, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Mr. Ralph Victory, Deputy Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Col. Tom McGrath, Comdt. Deirdre Newell, Capt. Austin Doyle and Capt. Pol O’Donnell, Aides-de-Camp to the President; and Mr. Joe Brennan, Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Ambassadors were accompanied to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from the 2 Brigade Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin under the command of Lieutenant Dillon McAuliffe.

A Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by the 7 Infantry Battalion, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin under the command of Lieutenant Rory Maher.

Lieutenant Cian O’Connell from 7 Infantry Battalion was the flag officer.

Captain Tom Kelly conducted the No. 1 Army Band, which is based in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin.

Press office

ENDS

27 May 2025