In a vibrant celebration of European unity and Polish heritage, Europe Direct Letterkenny and Donegal County Council joined forces to host a special event at the Central Library.
The event, held on Tuesday, May 7th, marked both Europe Day (May 9th) and 20 years of Poland’s membership in the European Union.
Pianist Khrystyna Khorina KK Melorise played Chopin and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, the hymn of the EU. There were speakers from various community groups at the event, including Aneta Wozniak-Fawcett from Slavic Connect and Katarzyna Kurzeja from Donegal Youth and Information Service.
Kristina Pianist performing at the celebration of Polish Culture and Europe Day in the Central Library Letterkenny. Photo Clive Wasson
Aneta Wozniak-Fawcett from Slavic Connect at the celebration of Polish Culture and Europe Day in the Central Library Letterkenny. Photo Clive Wasson
TG4 covered the event and it was featured on Nuacht TG4.
Pupils from Errigal College read poems by Polish poet Wisława Szymborska. We had contributions from Teresa Buczkowska, Migrant Political Participation Coordinator with Forum Polonia, a Polish migrant rights organisation in Ireland and also from Anna Kujawa, a Librarian in Bundoran Library who outlined how Ireland has become home to her family.
The Polish Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Arkady Rzegocki, joined the event remotely from the Polish Embassy in Dublin and delivered a supporting message. The Ambassador said that, “EU membership has enriched Poland in numerous ways and Ireland has benefited from the many Poles who have settled in both Ireland and in beautiful Donegal!”
The Polish Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Arkady Rzegocki, sent a video message
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Martin Harley, commented, “I am delighted to be here with you today for this cultural event to celebrate Poland’s 20 year membership of the EU and Europe Day on 9th May. Europe Day is this Thursday 9th May and it commemorates the anniversary of the ‘Schuman Declaration’ in 1950, which proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, the forerunner to the European Union. Ireland’s membership of the European Union began in 1972 when 83% of Irish people voted “Yes” to joining the European Communities in a referendum. Ireland’s membership of the European Economic Community (EEC) which was to evolve into the European Union, officially began on January 1, 1973.
“This event here in the Central Library is very fitting to celebrate Polish Culture and I commend the team here at Europe Direct Letterkenny and the various speakers present here this morning. I look forward to the event and getting the opportunity to hear from the various native Polish community representatives who are living here in Donegal.”
“The links between Ireland and Poland go back centuries. The first ever history of Poland in the English language was written by an Irishman, Bernard O’Connor, in 1698.
“In recent decades, the connections between our countries has really flourished. In 2004, Poland joined the European Union under Ireland’s Presidency. We have 1,600 Polish citizens living in Donegal, greatly enriching our society and building lasting bonds between our countries. Today, there are almost 100,000 Polish people in Ireland. Poland meanwhile has become a very popular destination for Irish students and tourists.
Polish Exhibition at the celebration of Polish Culture and Europe Day in the Central Library Letterkenny. Photo Clive Wasson
“This event here in the Central Library is very fitting to celebrate Polish Culture and I look forward to the event and getting the opportunity to hear from the various native Polish community representatives present here today.”
Europe Direct Letterkenny, based in the Central Library, provides a Your Europe Advice service, computers, publications, brochures from EU institutions to promote Erasmus Plus, Discover EU, travel opportunities for young people, a freephone link to the Europe Direct help desk, events, talks, exhibitions, and competitions.
