On Thursday, March 19, the Faculty of Education transformed into a vibrant hub of Irish culture. The hallways were flooded with green, symbolically heralding the exceptional event dedicated to celebrating Ireland’s biggest holiday, organised by the Department of English and German studies. Posters inviting people to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations added to the atmosphere, drawing a large crowd of students and international guests.
The faculty auditorium was filled with English language and literature students, along with Erasmus students, particularly from Ireland. The space, decorated with green balloons, Irish flags, and traditional four-leaf clovers, created an authentic atmosphere where culture, education, and international friendships came together.
The highlight of the event was a speech by the Irish Ambassador to Slovakia, Ian Devine. In his remarks, he expressed his delight that St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world—today, as many as 17 million people outside Ireland, including in Slovakia, commemorate it. Interestingly, traces of Celtic history can also be found here—for example, at Bratislava Castle.
In his speech, the ambassador also emphasized the closeness of the two countries—Slovakia and Ireland are similar not only in size but also in population. Strong ties bind us within the European Union, whether in the areas of trade, culture, or education. He also noted our shared history and connections, which date back to difficult wartime periods.
The event continued with an interactive discussion, during which Ian Devine answered questions from the audience—ranging from Irish literature to recommendations for Slovak tourist destinations. The entire program was hosted by Irish educator Aaron McCauley, who also organized the event. In his lecture, he highlighted the richness of Irish culture and introduced students to opportunities for travel and study through the Creative Europe and Erasmus+ programs.
The official portion was followed by a cultural program that filled the entire auditorium with sound. James Evens, an Irish singer living in Slovakia, captivated the audience with his energetic performance. He started with a beautiful ballad called "Song for Ireland" During the well-known song “Stand by Me,” the entire audience spontaneously joined in, creating an unforgettable moment full of joy and togetherness.
The program culminated in a fun competition in the game Pukec, where students could test their skills and win attractive prizes. The St. Patrick’s Day celebration thus brought not only a cultural experience but also new friendships, inspiration, and plenty of positive energy.
If this year’s green celebration was a harbinger of things to come, we have a lot to look forward to—we believe that next year we’ll meet again in even greater numbers and with the same enthusiasm. 🍀
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