New Irish Citizens Celebrate Heritage and Future in Killarney

A significant moment unfolded in Killarney, Ireland, as over 5,200 new citizens from 132 countries were conferred Irish nationality during ceremonies held on December 5 and 6, 2025. Among the recipients was Wade Enright, a cameraman from Ballylongford, who returned from Australia to embrace his Irish roots after more than a century. Enright’s journey began when his girlfriend, Claire, moved back to Dublin after her visa in Australia expired.

“I’m ecstatic to be an Irish citizen,” Enright shared, proudly displaying an Irish flag. His family history traces back to Ballylongford, where his ancestors departed 132 years ago. He has already visited the coastal town and is currently working as a freelance camera assistant on an Irish language film titled Báite.

The ceremonies marked the culmination of the citizenship process for applicants from all 32 counties, who took a solemn declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State. The events took place at the Gleneagle Hotel, a fitting venue for such a momentous occasion. Enright was joined by his wife and parents-in-law, who celebrated his achievement alongside him.

Among the new citizens was Kirsten Fossum, originally from the United States, who arrived in Galway ten years ago to pursue a PhD in Atmospheric Physics. Currently working at the Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station, Fossum expressed her excitement about becoming a citizen. “Becoming an Irish citizen undoubtedly would make life easier as I travel a lot to Europe for work,” she noted. The opportunity to vote in elections was also a significant milestone for her.

Originally from Mumbai, Varun Menon felt a deep connection to Cork, the city he now considers home. Arriving in Ireland in 2017 to study for his master’s in computer science, Menon highlighted the importance of his citizenship for his family’s future. His wife will soon become an Irish citizen, and their son, born last year, already holds Irish nationality.

Another applicant, Dorya Rascon from Chihuahua, Mexico, is set to receive her citizenship soon, taking advantage of the occasion to explore Killarney with her husband, Nigel McGuire. Rascon emphasized how citizenship would ease the constraints of the current permit system.

The group also included Fandy Rosero, a Colombian native and Spanish teacher, who met her husband in South Korea. Now residing in Galway with their two children, Rosero expressed gratitude for the opportunity to build a life in Ireland.

As the largest group among the new citizens, Indian nationals numbered 1,188, followed by 572 from Brazil and 462 from Romania. The ceremonies have become a tradition since their introduction in 2011, aimed at celebrating migration’s integral role in Irish society.

Minister of State with responsibility for Migration, Colm Brophy, acknowledged the historical significance of migration in Ireland, stating, “Irish people that left here over the centuries strengthened and enriched the communities that they settled in.” He encouraged the new citizens to maintain ties to their home countries while contributing to their new home.

On the topic of recent adjustments to citizenship requirements, Brophy mentioned that the qualifications for citizenship are “constantly under review.” He noted that while most applicants demonstrate proficiency in English, the possibility of implementing a language test is being considered as part of ongoing discussions.

The ceremonies were presided over by Judge Paddy McMahon, who administered the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State. As new citizens embark on this transformative journey, their diverse stories and backgrounds weave into the rich tapestry of Ireland’s evolving narrative.