'Even though the first few months were very difficult the community accepted me'

Single father Bukhrosi Mabhena, who became an Irish citizen in December, and his son Thamu, 9, who moved from their native Zimbabwe to join him, are looking forward to watching Cork City's parade 

Bukhrosi Mabhena with his son Thamu, 9, on St Patrick’s Street in Cork as he gets ready to celebrate his first St Patrick’s Day as an Irish citizen. Pictures: Chani Anderson

It’s a day Bukhrosi Mabhena feared he might never experience following an ordeal that saw him separated from his only child.

Now, the single father’s prayers have finally been answered as he prepares to mark his first St Patrick’s Day as an Irish citizen. It comes almost a year after an emotional reunion with his nine-year-old son Thamu, who had been staying with family in their native Zimbabwe.