Tullamore Lithuanian community celebrates 10th anniversary

Lithuanians around Tullamore and midlands came together to celebrate the community's 10th anniversary. The event coincided with Lithuania's Statehood Day (July 6), and the community chose to mark the day with volunteering, friendship and cultural celebrations at the Charleville Castle.

The day began on a meaningful sentiment of giving back with a clean-up at Charleville Castle, where members and volunteers worked together to help care for the heritage site. Following the clean-up, members, families and guests gathered to celebrate the milestone, sharing food, memories and stories from the past ten years.

Joining the community in the celebration was Jonas Grinevicius, ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Ireland, who congratulated the organisation on its achievements and recognised the important role it has played in strengthening the ties between Lithuania and Ireland. Special thanks were also extended to Declan Harvey, the newly elected Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, and Tony McCormack, who attended the event and offered their congratulations and continued support.

Indicating the strong knit fabric of the larger Lithuanian community in Ireland, the celebration was joined in by Lithuanian guests from Mulingar, Waterford, Limerick, Mountmellick and even Northern Ireland. Juratė Airose, a Lithuanian, travelled all the way from Northern Ireland, to present the Lithuanian Hearts Flag, a symbol of unity, friendship and togetherness.

The celebrations concluded on a musical note with everyone joining together to sing the Lithuanian National Anthem, to mark the Statehood Day. On this day, Lithuanians around the world gather to sing the anthem simultaneously, creating a powerful and moving expression of national pride and shared identity.

Since its establishment in 2016, the Tullamore Lithuanian Community has organised cultural celebrations, educational activities, family events, charity initiatives and volunteering projects, helping to strengthen community spirit while encouraging integration, inclusion and mutual understanding between Lithuanian and Irish residents.

“The Tullamore Lithuanian Community sincerely thanks everyone who has supported its journey over the past ten years and looks forward to many more years of working together for the benefit of the wider community," said Rasa Bigele, chairman of the community.