Thurles group hosted at Kuwait National Day celebrations
Last week members of the Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee accompanied by Dr Michael Casey, Fellow of the Irish State were special guests of HE Mr Muhammed Al Muhammad Kuwait Ambassador to Ireland at the Kuwait National Day celebrating 63 years of Independence.
Kuwait gained Independence from Britain in June, 1961.The Kuwait flag consists of black, white, green and red representing Arab unity and heritage. Kuwait has one of the world’s oldest democratic parliaments in the Gulf Region. Kuwait has also one of the richest cultures in the middle east with a mix of modern and traditional influences. The famous Liberation Tower was built in 1966 to symbolise Kuwait’s freedom after the Gulf War.
Words of wisdom that Inspires Kuwait – “The progress of our country depends on the dedication and efforts of its people” – Sheikh Sabah Al – Ahmad Al Sabha.
“Our unity is our strength, and our traditions are our pride. A nations greatness is measured by the achievements of its people, not just its resources. We must preserve our heritage while embracing the future with open arms. The Kuwait fund for Arab Economic Development was the first institution in the Middle East to take an active role in the international development efforts. The fund extends grants and loans on concessionary terms to finance development projects in developing countries.
“Women In Kuwait have played a vital role in shaping the country’s progress, actively contributing to politics, resistance movements, arts and sport. Kuwait women gained the right to vote and run for office in 2005 and in 2009 four women were elected to the National Assembly. Today Kuwait women continue to excel as Ministers, business leaders, scientists and cultural icons, proving their essential role in the nations growth and success.”
It was a great learning experience for the Thurles delegation. HE Mr Muhammed Al Muhammad hospitality made them feel very much at home. He introduced the group to his son, Mr Alie Muhammad, who is a very pleasant young man studying Business in Westminster in London. The group had a great conversation with Alie in relation to education and the educational systems working in Thurles were explained to him in full. He was very impressed but sadly he wasn’t aware of what the Irish educational system had to offer- if he did he would probably have come to Thurles for his Business degrees.
The many young Asian girls attending in traditional dress were so wonderful and beautiful – all were very helpful explaining their history and culture which was so interesting.
Kuwait at one one time, was one of the poorest countries in the Middle East and is now one of the richest. Before the discovery of oil, their main source of income was their small fishing ships and wild birds.
HE Mr Mohamad will visit Thurles and it will not be his last visit. He has shown great interest in St. Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance and for what it stands for – Peace, Remembrance and Reconciliation. It is a memorial garden that should inspire all going forward as members of Down District Council described it some years ago.
Sixty ambassadors, the Papal Nuncio and the Lord Mayor of Dublin attended on the day. The main hall in the Shelbourne Hotel from 1 to 4 pm was a hive of activity with young people at all the stalls of food, arts, sport, heritage, history and music to mention just a few.
The Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee medal caught the eyes of many and the group had to explain to them what Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee and St. Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance was all about. Mr John Ryan and Mr Pat Ryan who are associated with the Tipperary Person of the Year awards, were very impressed and expressed their wish to visit St. Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance and St. Mary’s Church – Dr Michael Casey will organise their visit in the coming months.
The visitors got the opportunity to sample the traditional dress for men and women. The young ladies in the heritage section were very helpful in dressing up the group in their traditional costumes. The food on the day was so delicious, perfect in every way, and the service provided by the hotel staff was first class.
Overall, the day was a great occasion for Ambassador Mohamad and the 63rd Anniversary of Independence for his country Kuwait. H.E Mr Mohammad has to be congratulated for a wonderful day of celebration.
H.E Mr Cleviston Haynes, Barbados Ambassador to Ireland; HE.Mr Lahcen Mahraoui, Morocco Ambassador to Ireland; and HE Mr Hassan Aljomae, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Ireland will be visiting St Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance Thurles in the very near future. When they do come we hope that they will get a great Dúrlas welcome from all. Details of their visit will be made available nearer to their visit.
Dúrlas Éile Eliogarty Memorial Committee Vice-chairman Mr Guy Jones and his wife Christeen joined the event later on in the day.