The Taiwan Ireland Association held its Chinese New Year luncheon on the 30th January this year, graciously inviting His Excellency Representative Simon S.K. Tu as guests of honour. There was a warm family atmosphere in Jimmy Chung’s Dublin restaurant as around 250 overseas Taiwanese, students, and working holiday visa holders gathered to celebrate the important annual festival. Dublin City Councillor Declan Flanagan joined the event along with other Irish friends of the Association from the worlds of business, politics, and academia.
Representative Tu addressed the audience, extending a warm welcome to all and reviewing the events of the past year. He made particular mention of the recent Presidential and Legislative elections, hailing them as a reaffirmation of Taiwan’s robust democratic constitution. He once again expressed the commitment of the Taipei Representative Office to promote improved economic, educational and cultural relations between Ireland and Taiwan and to strengthen the friendship between our two countries.
Just as in previous years there was a course of entertainment and activities for the event, including live traditional music and a raffle for an array of generous prizes. In keeping with tradition, Representative Tu offered his Chinese New Year blessings by distributing red envelopes containing a little money to all the children present, along with lanterns in honour of the Year of the Monkey. The Taipei Representative Office extends its Chinese New Year greetings to all compatriots and friends.
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Representative Simon Tu addressing the Association
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Representative Tu with assembled members of the Taiwan Ireland Association
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Mr Frank Lu, President of the Taiwan Ireland Association, with Representative Simon Tu and a young prize winner
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A classical flute performance during the luncheon