Speech by Minister Jim O'Callaghan at Citizenship Ceremonies June 2025

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Good morning / afternoon everyone agus fáilte romhaibh go léir!

I am honoured to join you here today in Killarney to celebrate this truly special moment in your lives.

As a Minister of the Government, your Government, I am immensely proud that you will very soon become fellow citizens, and from this day forward, we will call you Irish!

Looking around this room, I see more than smiles and proud faces. I see stories. I see courage and hope. For many of you, the journey to Irish citizenship has been one of great personal effort and sacrifice.

Your path here today may have begun several years ago, but, in less than an hour it will come to an end. Then, a new journey will begin.

So let me start with a simple but heartfelt message:

Thank you for choosing Ireland as your home!

This is a moment I hope you will treasure forever. A milestone to share with your children, your grandchildren – and your loved ones – for generations to come.

Ireland understands migration deeply. For centuries, Irish people left our shores in search of safety and new opportunities. Because of that experience, Irish people understand what it means to make a new home, to build a new life, to bring your talents and traditions to another place. We understand the importance of how emigrants contribute to the social and economic fabric of so many countries around the world.

Migration has shaped not only the story of Ireland, but the daily life of our society today. It is seen in our hospitals and schools, in our farms and factories, in tech hubs and shops.

And most importantly, it is seen in our communities – where you have brought new energy and new dreams to villages, towns and cities across this island.

You have made Ireland a more diverse, compassionate and culturally rich place.

---------

Before going any further, I want to say that I am delighted to be joined by Judge Paddy McMahon as the Presiding Officer of today’s Ceremony. He will shortly administer the declaration of fidelity to our nation and loyalty to our State, and officially confer you with Irish citizenship.

But before that, a few thank you’s.

The presence of the Colour Party under the command of Second Lieutenant Eoin Feeney underlines the significance and the importance of this Ceremony. The Irish flag on display provides a great sense of occasion.

As you took your seats, I am sure you all enjoyed the performance from the wonderful No. 1 Army Band conducted by Captain Ben Jacob. I would ask you to please give them a round of applause.

[applause]

The harp is the national emblem or symbol of Ireland. It is on the cover of our constitution, on our euro coins and on our Irish passports.

Music played on the harp has both entertained and consoled people throughout the world and continues to do so today. It is fitting that we should have music played on the harp at today’s Ceremony, and it provides the perfect backdrop as you complete your citizenship journey.

So, I invite you to also applaud Deirdre Granville for her wonderful performances today.

[applause]

*

The word ‘citizen’ in the Irish language is ‘saoránaigh’. It is based on another Irish word ‘saor’, which means ‘free’. So today, you are becoming free-people of Ireland.

I hope that you, our newest Irish citizens, will embrace the full freedom and opportunities that Ireland has to offer you.

In granting you your Irish citizenship today, Ireland has made a commitment to you.

A symbolic commitment, that resonates with our country’s history and with our people at home and abroad. A commitment that you will always have a home here with us.

Ireland is a place where you are accepted, valued, cherished, celebrated, safe and loved.

I hope that instead of dreaming of a new future, that today, embracing your new status as Irish citizens, you will pave the way and create a bright future for yourself, your community, and Ireland as a whole.

Today’s Ceremony falls around a very special time, the summer solstice, or as we say as Gaeilge, ‘grian-stad an tsamhraidh’. It is at this time of year when the sun seems to pause in the sky, illuminating our country in light and warmth.

The summer solstice, for thousands of years, has marked a key moment in our agricultural calendar - a time to honour the sun at the peak of the growing season, with the hope for a fruitful harvest.

Some of our country’s ancient sites are aligned with the solstice sun, like the Hill of Tara and Loughcrew, showing how deeply the flow of nature has forged Irish culture and tradition.

Meitheal is an old Irish term that describes how neighbours would come together to assist in the harvesting of crops or other shared tasks. The Irish community has been built on the spirit of meitheal - on our commitment of working together towards a common good.

As you integrate into your local community, you are making the spirit of Meitheal your own.

This comradery brings people together as they discover the common ground they share and seize the new opportunities available to them.

*

The richness of our nation is not measured in our wealth, but in our people, in our culture, and the kindness we demonstrate for each other. The compassion and concern we give to those who need it most, and the love we exemplify, really demonstrates what it means to be an Irish citizen.

As the old Irish saying goes ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’ – there is strength in unity.

So let’s embrace our differences, our diversities and our similarities, and continue to strengthen our bonds of love, of friendship and fellowship as Irish citizens.

*

After a short interlude on the harp now, I wish to formally introduce Judge McMahon – who will confer you with Irish citizenship.

I hope you have a wonderful day and take time to celebrate this milestone in your life with your families and friends.

May you carry this day with you always – not just in documents or passports, but in your sense of home.

Thank you – and from my heart to yours – comhghairdeas. Congratulations!