New citizens express their delight at ceremony

The journey has been long but it has made the reward all the sweeter.

That was the view of Dr Aiman Mahmoud, who was yesterday granted Irish citizenship.

“I am delighted to have finally got the citizenship,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming.”

Dr Mahmoud was one of 637 people from 77 countries across five continents that had their citizenship applications granted in Cork’s City Hall yesterday.

“The process is very long and there is nobody to advise you how your application is doing along the way,” said father-of-two Dr Mahmoud.

“You can be waiting for three years and then be told that you are not successful.

“That’s what makes today really important,” he said.

Dr Mahmoud arrived in Ireland in 2003 from Sudan and had to reside in Ireland for a minimum of four out of the last nine years, before he could apply for citizenship.

“I had to move over alone at the start but my family have since joined me. We have waited so long and I’m so happy that we are officially Irish citizens.”

Almost 1,300 people attended the citizenship ceremony, organised by the Department of Justice and Equality.

The ceremony consisted of a declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the state and was administrated by retired High Court judge Bryan McMahon.

Frankie Kong, who left Malaysia for Ireland 10 years ago was also granted citizenship. He said the ceremony was very special.

“I have really enjoyed the ceremony. I waited a long time for this day so it’s something you would want to celebrate,” he said.

“I have worked since I arrived 10 years ago and enjoy everything about Ireland. I have always felt very welcomed by its people.”

The ceremony was one of the key changes introduced by the department to the citizenship application procedure.

The aim is that new citizens and their families can publicly acknowledge their desire to integrate into Irish society.

Prior to citizenship ceremonies, applicants had to take an oath before a district court judge at a scheduled sitting and received their certificate by post.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Simon Coveney was in attendance at the event. He said it was a particular poignant moment for him as,when he was growing up,his family fostered an African boy.

“I remember walking around Cork city with my new brother and people kept looking because it was so unusual to see an African back then,” he said.

“How things have changed. We are now an very open country. I urge that you don’t leave your traditions behind — Ireland will welcome that diversity.”

Mr Coveney acknowledged the citizenship application was, in the past, a long process — often taking at least 26 months for a decision to be reached.

He said that, by next summer, the Government will have reduced the waiting time to six months.