LAST FRIDAY, IRELAND gained 3,000 new citizens in a ceremony held at the Convention Centre in Dublin city.
Ryan Tubridy was there to greet all the happy people after they got their Certificates of Naturalisation.
What a welcome:
But he wasn’t just there as part of the welcoming committee, as last night a few of those taking part in the ceremony were his guests on The Late Late Show.
New Irish citizen Aksana Sidarchuk told Tubridy her story of arriving in Two-Mile Borris at the age of nine from Chernobyl.
Mary and Eddie Clancy took her in when she first arrived temporarily, and were in the audience to celebrate with her last night.
“I was a little bit unwell at the time and I spent a few days in Limerick Hospital and Mary and Eddie were very generous and kind to me over the years – they brought me back every summer for treatments and I’m in Ireland since I’m 19,” she said.
Given Tubridy was there for the ceremony, he had his own take on proceedings: ”That ceremony had a great effect on me – I thought it was positive and emotional and warm … I’d love to know what it meant to you.”
“It was the proudest day of my life. Honestly. I actually cried when I had to declare my fidelity and loyalty to the nation,” Sidarchuk said.
And she finished on the most enthusiastic note:
If I – touch wood – die in Ireland, don’t fundraise money, I will be happy buried in Irish soil. Wrap this flag around me, I’m home!
Lola Ayetigbo also gained her citizenship last week – and told the story of her late son Shetemi, who tragically died at just 16 years old.
So many viewers at home were touched by the whole segment:
And this quote just about summed up the prevailing attitude of people watching at home:
Welcome all.
Written by David Elkin and posted on DailyEdge.ie
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