Diplomatic ties strengthened between Laois and Malta
Ambassadors Fiona-Jayne Formosa and Caroline Whelan visited Portlaoise Library to honour the deepening friendship between Ireland and Malta. The event highlighted shared cultural traditions and the significance of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
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Laois County Council
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⏱️ 2 min read
Portlaoise Library recently hosted a significant diplomatic gathering, welcoming H.E. Fiona-Jayne Formosa, Malta’s ambassador to Ireland, and H.E. Caroline Whelan, Ireland’s Ambassador to Malta. The visit served to celebrate the robust partnership between the two nations, coinciding with Ireland's current Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Local representatives, including Cllr Barry Walsh and Chief Executive Michael Rainey, joined members of the local Maltese community and students to reflect on the historical and cultural parallels between the two island societies.
A focal point of the proceedings was the exhibition of exquisite lace-making traditions from both regions, specifically Mountmellick Lace and Maltese Lace. The event featured evocative musical performances by Music Generation Laois, including a recital of Seamus Heaney’s poem, Beacons at Bealtaine, by the two ambassadors. This piece, originally commissioned for the 2004 EU enlargement ceremony, served as a poignant reminder of the shared European journey that brought Malta and Ireland closer together as union members.
The programme also facilitated meaningful dialogue between expatriates and local residents, with contributions from Maltese nationals living in Laois and an educational workshop led by academic Dr. Jean Claude Cachia. By emphasising the official EU presidency slogan, 'Ní neart go cur le chéile', the visiting dignitaries and local officials underscored a commitment to future cooperation in tourism, business, and cultural exchange. Further details regarding ongoing community initiatives can be found on the official Laois County Council website.
A focal point of the proceedings was the exhibition of exquisite lace-making traditions from both regions, specifically Mountmellick Lace and Maltese Lace. The event featured evocative musical performances by Music Generation Laois, including a recital of Seamus Heaney’s poem, Beacons at Bealtaine, by the two ambassadors. This piece, originally commissioned for the 2004 EU enlargement ceremony, served as a poignant reminder of the shared European journey that brought Malta and Ireland closer together as union members.
The programme also facilitated meaningful dialogue between expatriates and local residents, with contributions from Maltese nationals living in Laois and an educational workshop led by academic Dr. Jean Claude Cachia. By emphasising the official EU presidency slogan, 'Ní neart go cur le chéile', the visiting dignitaries and local officials underscored a commitment to future cooperation in tourism, business, and cultural exchange. Further details regarding ongoing community initiatives can be found on the official Laois County Council website.
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