I thank Senator Sherlock for standing up when I entered the room. That only happens when I go home and at the start of the day on Commencement matters.
Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad
It is just good manners.
I welcome our colleague and friend, the ambassador from Bulgaria to mark their national day. We were discussing the situation in Ukraine earlier. As of yesterday, 8,000 citizens from Ukraine were in Bulgaria seeking refuge. During its war of independence, many Ukrainians helped them. The wheel does turn.
Bulgaria's national day is 3 March. It marks the date of national liberation and restoration of the Bulgarian state after nearly five centuries of Ottoman Empire rule over its territory. The Irish-Bulgarian connection dates back in history. More than 100 years ago the death occurred of the most famous Irishman in Bulgaria, James Bourchier from Bruff, County Limerick who was a champion of Bulgarian interests. He led the delegation from Bulgaria to the negotiations on the Versailles Treaty in 1919. Like his counterpart, Seán T. O'Kelly, a former President, who led Ireland's delegation, he was unsuccessful in his endeavour. Bulgaria has named a boulevard and metro station in honour of his efforts. He rests near Rila Monastery, a privilege granted to no other foreign citizen. Pierce O'Mahony, a philanthropist funded a home for 32 graduate Bulgarian orphans and gave a start in life to them is also honoured in Bulgaria. Bulgaria and Ireland are both members of the EU, sharing and deciding on a common future, mutually supportive and reinforcing strengths. The real bond is the connection between people, the dynamic and active Bulgarian community in Ireland, which is almost 8,000 strong in Dublin, Cork, Ennis, Shannon, Tullamore, Monaghan and Waterford, ranging from academics, engineers and IT specialists to medical healthcare professionals and construction workers. We would like to wish the Bulgarians living in Ireland a happy liberation day. Chestit praznik. I thank the ambassador for being with us today.
The Cathaoirleach's mastery of language never ceases to amaze.
Go raibh maith agat, a chara.