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Sierra Leone and Ireland have reaffirmed their longstanding relationship during a St. Patrick’s National Day celebration hosted by the Embassy of Ireland at the Freetown Golf Club.
The event brought together government officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests to celebrate the enduring friendship between the two countries, which dates back over a century.
Ireland’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Aidan Fitzpatrick McManus, said the occasion reflects Irish identity, culture, and global connections.
“Today celebrates what it is to be Irish: history and culture, connections and shared values, people both home and abroad, and the strong bonds built with others worldwide,” he stated.
The Ambassador traced bilateral ties to more than 150 years of Irish missionary engagement in Sierra Leone, noting that Irish non-governmental organizations contributed to the establishment of the Irish Government’s Development Cooperation Office in 2009.
He further highlighted key diplomatic milestones, including the opening of Ireland’s Embassy in Freetown in 2014 and Sierra Leone’s reciprocal establishment of an embassy in Dublin in 2025, describing the move as a significant step in deepening bilateral relations.
Ambassador McManus also underscored Ireland’s role on the global stage, describing it as a small nation committed to multilateralism and a rules-based international order anchored by the United Nations. He noted Ireland’s ongoing campaign for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term.
He added that Ireland continues to support programmes focused on gender equality, humanitarian response, climate action, and governance, in line with Sierra Leone’s long-term development priorities.
