More than 5,000 individuals will become new Irish citizens during a ceremony in Dublin, reports RTE.
Citizenship is being granted to applicants from more than 130 nations today and tomorrow.
A wait had developed before the Convention Centre in Dublin had opened.
There was a positive atmosphere among the soon-to-be Irish citizens despite the blustery weather in the capital, reports RTE.
Vijayanti Jayaratne was at the head of the queue.
“I’m feeling very happy and very special today,” she states.
Ms. Jayaratne, a special needs helper, arrived from Sri Lanka in 2006.
“I’m just very privileged and honoured to be part of the Irish community,” she continues, reports RTE.
Barbara Franzonidaileira is waiting close by.
“I’m thrilled. This is something I’ve been looking forward to for a while.”
Fifteen years ago, Ms. Franzonidaileira departed Brazil for Ireland, reports RTE.
“My knowledge of Ireland was limited…I only came to study and learn English, but I quickly fell in love with the place and its wonderful, kind people,” reports RTE.
She currently works for an energy firm and claims to have adjusted to the climate as well.
Her words, “You get used to it,”
She had been anticipating the event today.
“It’s all been overwhelming… it’s just a confirmation that this is my home,” reports RTE.
Over the course of the next two days, over 5,000 individuals from more than 100 countries will get their Irish citizenship.
India (914), the United Kingdom (614), Brazil (531), Romania (380), Poland (360), the Philippines (241), South Africa (210), Nigeria (205), Pakistan (191), and the United States (191) are the ten nations with the highest number of candidates, r r
In 2012, Helen Farag, who was born in Egypt, enrolled at Trinity College.
“I only came here to study, and I had no idea that I would be here for so long. I discovered a place to call home. After falling in love, I became engaged to an Irish man. I never knew how much I needed this house, reports RTE.
Jeremy Worth has been in the UK for thirty years.
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