It was a cozy affair at the City Blue Urban Hotel in Kiyovu as the Irish community in Rwanda and friends celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. The celebration which kicked off at 6:30pm was graced by the Irish Ambassador to Uganda, Donal Cronin. Other notable guests included Tony Nsanganira, the State Minister for Agriculture, members of the diplomatic community and government officials. The guests were treated to Irish hospitality including eats, drinks and Irish folk music by the band, Breagan.During his opening speech, Cronin said it was an important day in the history of the Irish. “This is a day that we join hands with those in Ireland, those who are with us this evening, those of Irish descent, the Diaspora and those who are friends with us, practically the whole world,” he said. Nsanganira noted Rwanda was happy to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day which is a global event. “St Patrick’s Day symbolises a lot in Irish culture, identity, unity and prosperity and we hold dear these values in Rwanda,” he said. He commended the good relationship between the two countries and congratulated the Irish on the advancements they have made. The Breagan band comprising Joseph Dowling 56, Gabriel Fitzgerald and Conor Mc Doyle, kept the guests entertained. The band, which first played in Rwanda back in 2010, played a couple of tunes and was joined by the fellow Irish who sang along. “It has been fantastic, I feel like I’m bringing a piece of Ireland to the people that can’t be home, especially the Irish, they are happy,” said Dowling, on behalf of the band that have played for over 14 years in various places to celebrate the day. St Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 worldwide; however, it is celebrated on a later date in Kigali. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
