Leitrim residents join thousands at Irish Citizenship ceremonies

20 Leitrim residents have become Irish citizens at ceremonies held in Killarney, Co Kerry yesterday, December 1, and today, December 2. 

They are among more than 5,200 candidates from 132 countries invited to attend the citizenship ceremonies at the INEC Killarney.

Citizenship ceremonies were first introduced in 2011 to mark the granting of Irish citizenship in a dignified and solemn manner. Since then, including minors, approximately 222,000 people have received Irish citizenship. 

Following the December ceremonies in Killarney, the confirmed attendees of over 5,200 will be added to this total.

In the North West, 164 people are receiving citizenship, including 20 in Leitrim, 57 in Sligo, and 87 in Donegal.

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The top ten nationalities of applicants are India with 1,188 applicants, Brazil (572), Romania (462), the United Kingdom (416), Poland (382), the Philippines (271), South Africa (199), Pakistan (186), Nigeria (176), and China, including Hong Kong (154).

Minister of State with responsibility for Migration, Colm Brophy, will attend the ceremonies, joined by Minister of State with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, Niall Collins, and Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, and for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer.

“I am delighted to welcome our newest Irish citizens. Migration has long been woven into the fabric of Ireland’s story with 70 million people worldwide claiming a link to Irish descent,” said Minister Brophy.

“Irish people that left here over the centuries strengthened and enriched the communities that they settled in.

“I encourage each of our new citizens to not lose the link to their home countries but also to continue to build connections and contribute to Ireland, the place they now call home.”

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