By : Daoud Kuttab
Jordan Daily – The Irish Ambassador to Jordan, Marianne Bolger, hosted on Sunday a special gathering at the Irish Residence in Amman to celebrate both Saint Patrick’s Day and the breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event, attended by distinguished guests from across Jordanian society, reflected the strong ties between Ireland and Jordan and underscored shared values of peace, equality, and inclusivity.
Ambassador Bolger highlighted recent efforts to support youth development in Jordan, particularly the opening of an outdoor gym in Irbid, the second of its kind funded by the Embassy in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports City Management.
The ambassador also spoke on global challenges, noting the impact of conflicts around the world, including in the Middle East, where hunger, displacement, and human suffering persist. She reiterated Ireland’s commitment to peace, international law, and humanitarian aid while calling for the resumption of vital aid flows to Gaza. The Embassy of Ireland has provided food and tents to aid the people of Gaza, with supplies currently awaiting clearance in Jordan.
“Both Ramadan and Saint Patrick’s Day celebrate values of identity, community, generosity, and reflection,” Bolger said. “The Irish people have for centuries carried these traditions of song, story, poetry, and dance around the world, and we are proud to share them here in Jordan.”
In her remarks, Ambassador Bolger expressed her honor at welcoming guests to the residence, noting that the evening’s celebration of both cultural and religious traditions highlighted the respect and friendship between the two nations. The Irish Ambassador emphasized the ongoing strengthening of bilateral relations since the establishment of the Embassy of Ireland in Amman in 2019, with growing cooperation in political consultations, education, youth empowerment, trade, and wellbeing.
In a nod to the cultural exchange between the two countries, the ambassador mentioned the recent performance of Riverdance in Amman in September 2023, as well as the growing popularity of Irish films in Jordan. The Embassy is also supporting upcoming film festivals in Jordan and launching a Youth Film Skills initiative with Generations for Peace and Northern Ireland’s Cinemagic charity.
Ambassador Bolger concluded her speech by quoting the President of Ireland, who expressed a call for renewed global solidarity: “Let us resolve to forge together a renewed sense of solidarity, reaffirming our commitment to the dignity and well-being of all, in building a just and compassionate world, one which reflects the best instincts of our humanity.”