Irish and Taiwanese people from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the 2016 Dragon Boat Festival at the Leinster Cricket Club on 12th June as the Taiwanese community also marked inauguration President Tsai Ing-Wen and Vice President Chen Chien-Jen. In light of the special occasion, around 200 people attended, including Oireachtas members, members of Dublin City Council, academics, journalists, and overseas Taiwanese of all ages.
His Excellency Representative Simon Tu addressed the assembled guests, stating that the inauguration of President Tsai and Vice-President Chen marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of Asia’s oldest republic. He noted that Taiwanese of all parties and all opinions are united by a deep love for our democracy, and that they take great pride in the success of our electoral process in past decades. Representative Tu expressed his hope that the youth of Taiwan will preserve this into the future and build on past achievements. With a wealth of experience between them, he said, we can have strong confidence that the new President and Vice-President will guide our nation into a better future.
Following Representative Tu’s remarks, Dublin Chinese School Principal Evan Furlong and Taiwan-Ireland Association President Frank Lu both addressed the gathering, offering a warm welcome to all present and restating the importance of the occasion.
Despite the large crowd, there was a warm family atmosphere as members of the Taiwanese community and their Irish friends enjoyed a Chinese buffet, festive humour, and games. Though many Taiwanese in Ireland are far from home, events such as this provide an opportunity to reconnect with our compatriots and strengthen the bonds of friendship in our community.
Representative Tu welcomes guests to the celebration.
Left to right: Dublin Chinese School Principal Evan Furlong, Senator Gerry Horkan, Representative Tu, Brendan Ryan TD and his wife, Mrs. Tu, Taiwan-Ireland Association President Frank Lu
Representative Tu and Deputy Ryan with prize winners
Representative and Mrs. Tu with Frank Lu and Evan Furlong
