Statement by Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Mark Daly in Seanad Éireann to mark national day of Austria

Speaking in the Seanad the Cathaoirleach said: “On the occasion of Austria’s national day, I would like to extend Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Nationalfeiertag to Austria.

“The relationship between Ireland and Austria has deep roots in history. The Irishman Fergal (Virgilius) was bishop of Salzburg in the 8th century and died there in 784. The Irish monk Colmán was martyred at Stockerau near Vienna in 1012 and for centuries was venerated as Austria's national saint (Koloman). In 1155 Irish monks founded the Schottenstift Abbey which still exists in the centre of Vienna.

“Austria also gave refuge to a number of the ‘Wild Geese’, and names like O’Donnell, Lacy, Browne, Kavanagh and Laudon have their place in Austrian military history. Maximilian O’Donnell saved the life of Emperor Franz Jozef from an assassination attempt in 1853 and received the title of ‘Count’ from the Emperor.

“The longest serving prime minister under Emperor Franz Josef was Edward Taaffe, a descendant of an Irish exile. 

“We also enjoy shared academic and literary links, from Wittgenstein in Dublin to Oliver St John Gogarty’s time in Vienna. Professor Erwin Schrödinger, of the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies, lived for longer in Dublin than in any other city (1938-55). 

“Our two countries enjoy excellent relations, have much in common and cooperate in international jointly achieved common goals. We wish all Austrians including the Austrians living in Ireland a very Happy National Day.

“Einen schönen österreichischen Nationalfeiertag!”