'We came to Ireland because of the inclusivity': New Irish celebrate citizenship

Killarney ceremony first of six which will see 5,200 people granted Irish citizenship

Some of the new Irish citizens at a special ceremony at the INEC, Killarney, on Monday.

Little Irish flags waved in happy hands across a packed auditorium in Killarney on Monday at the first of six ceremonies which will see about 5,200 people granted Irish citizenship.

Applicants from more than 132 countries and from all 32 counties on the island will make a declaration of loyalty to the State and become Irish citizens at the INEC Killarney on Monday and Tuesday.

Ayesha Mustaq, originally from Chennai, India, was granted citizenship after being in Ireland for six years.

She now lives in Ballincollig, Cork, with her three-year-old daughter and her husband.

“We came to Ireland because of the inclusivity here. And because it is such a peaceful country to be in,” Ms Mustaq said.

My husband and I are from various religious backgrounds and that doesn’t matter here at all. We’re treated as equal. And it’s the best place to raise a child.

“I feel so glad today. We don’t have to take visas anymore to travel, and my family all have the same citizenship. That’s a big relief.” 

Migration minister Colm Brophy with new Irish citizens Mirella Lucas De Carvalho and Caroline Nogueira Lourence.

But it is also slightly bittersweet for Ms Mustaq, who works in IT for an Irish bank, because to take Irish citizenship, she had to renounce her Indian citizenship.

“I’m happy today, but it’s mixed emotions. Underneath I’m Indian,” she said.

Speaking at the ceremony, minister of state with responsibility for migration Colm Brophy said: “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.

“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.

“My heartfelt congratulations go to all of today’s newest citizens, and to the families and friends who have supported them on this important journey.” 

New Irish citizens stand for the national anthem.

As recipients streamed out of the auditorium, some remained to take selfies in the hall to capture and preserve their first few seconds as Irish citizens.

Apurv held his daughter Eyana, age three, in his arms, after his wife was granted Irish citizenship on Monday.

“We’re from Mumbai in India, but we live in Newbridge, Kildare now.

“We wanted to explore another part of the world, see different cultures, try different food. Me and my wife love travelling a lot. We both work as software engineers.” 

The packed INEC on Monday.

Irish citizenship will “open a lot of opportunities” for the family, he said, and it will give them easier access to Europe and the US for work and travel.

There were 1,188 citizenship applications from India — the highest number of applications.

Brazil had the second-highest number of applications on 572. Romania had the third-highest number of applications on 462, followed by the UK on 416.

Poland had 382 applications, followed by the Philippines on 271, South Africa on 199, Pakistan on 186, Nigeria on 176, and China, including Hong Kong, on 154.

Most applicants, some 2,785 people, were living in Co Dublin. Co Cork had the second highest number of applicants at 623, followed by Co Kildare with 452 applicants.