Saint Patrick’s Day was celebrated for the first time in years at the Irish Embassy in Argentina, featuring traditional Irish fare. Minister Jack Chambers emphasized the significance of this gathering, expressing condolences for local tragedies and calling for peace in global conflicts while reaffirming Ireland’s commitment to human rights. The event highlighted the strong ties between Ireland and Argentina’s large Irish community.
On Saint Patrick’s Day, the Irish Embassy in Argentina hosted a vibrant celebration featuring traditional Irish cuisine, including Irish stew, Guinness, Jameson whiskey, and Irish coffee, alongside regional delicacies. This marked a significant occasion as it was the first time the embassy had celebrated the holiday in such style in many years.
Among the officials visiting global Irish communities was Jack Chambers, Ireland’s Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure, who emphasized the importance of the Argentine event. At just 34 years of age, he serves as the deputy leader of the ruling Fianna Fáil party and participated in a government initiative traveling to over 90 cities in various countries to connect with the Irish diaspora.
Ambassador Gerard McCoy welcomed Minister Chambers, who began his speech by expressing condolences for the victims of the recent tragedy in Bahía Blanca. He subsequently addressed ongoing conflicts, specifically urging peace in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, and commemorated the March 17 anniversary of the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy, uniting it with Ireland’s stand against terrorism.
In his remarks, Minister Chambers highlighted Ireland’s commitment to upholding human rights, a principle he deeply discussed with the family of the late human rights activist Patrick Rice. He concluded by acknowledging his fruitful discussions with local Argentine officials, including Deregulation & State Transformation Minister Federico Sturzenegger and Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos, underscoring the strong ties between Ireland and its largest community outside the English-speaking world.
The celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day by the Irish Embassy in Argentina, led by Minister Jack Chambers, showcased the community’s spirit while addressing serious global issues such as human rights and terrorism. The event not only honored tradition but also reinforced the connection between Ireland and its global diaspora, particularly in Argentina. The minister’s recognition of local tragedies and ongoing conflicts highlights the commitment of Ireland to advocate for peace and human rights internationally.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
