What a welcome! Ambassadors from around the world lined up to greet us in what is a time honoured tradition at the UN in Geneva - the reception line. They queued and we welcomed representatives from across the globe, along with Irish UN employees and the wider Irish community. The event was hosted by Ambassador Michael Gaffey at the World Intellectual Property Organisation HQ.
It was the first Irish St Patricks Day reception to take place at the UN in over five years, according to Ambassador Gaffey.
And yes, in a line up of many international faces, you can spot the Irish. They came from Waterford, Roscommon, Belfast, Derry to name but a few. All four provinces were represented, as they spoke about their work in human rights, migration and trade. Some are staying in Switzerland for a short period, but for others, Geneva is their home.
The couple (pictured above) are from my home town of Athlone. After lots of back and forth, they (the Mannions) finally deduced my lineage and family background.
Pictured above is the South African Ambassador with a representative of the Nelson Mandela Trust
Having the opportunity to visit Geneva was always going to be a homecoming of sorts for me. My late mum, Annette, worked at the UN on secondment from the Irish Civil Service. I always knew this about her, but I never asked the questions you should; what year? where did you work ? where did you live ? how long did you stay?
Had my father moved to Switzerland, I am convinced I would have been a Geneva baby. I was incredibly proud when my husband, Sean (Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community and Digital Development) spoke about her and our connection to Geneva in his speech. It is in this way she will not be forgotten.
To all out there at home and abroad, Happy Saint Patrick’s Day.
