THE NUMBER of Limerick citizens grew by 127 this week after a special conferral ceremony held in Killarney.
The 127 new fully-fledged Limerick people joined over 4,000 others who were granted Irish citizenship across four separate ceremonies held in Killarney’s INEC on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
The new Irish citizens came from more than 130 countries worldwide, and received their certifications of naturalisation after taking an oath of fidelity to the Irish State.
Speaking ahead of the ceremonies, Limerick Minister of State Niall Collins, who attended this week’s conferrings, said: “I wish to warmly welcome all of our new Irish citizens. I encourage all our new citizens to embrace their Irish civic duty and contribute in any way they can to their communities.”
The ceremonies in Killarney saw applicants from over 130 countries receive their certificates of naturalisation, and take an oath of fidelity to the Irish State.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: “I congratulate and welcome our newest citizens on this milestone day in your lives. This marks the end of a journey and the beginning of a new one. Becoming an Irish citizen will guarantee certain fundamental rights under our Constitution. These rights are many and varied, but they will protect you, your family and your freedom,” she said.
“I encourage each new citizen to embrace your civic duty. It is an essential aspect of life in Ireland. It will empower you to become more engaged in civil society, whether it be in your local community or at a national level, some of you may choose to run for office in the coming years. Active involvement in the community will ensure everyone has a voice and will help strengthen our democracy,” Minister McEntee concluded.
