New Republic of Korea ambassador to visit Thurles

By John Wort Chairman, Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee

Over the last twelve years, we had the great pleasure of having the Republic of Korea Ambassador visit St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance here in Thurles, Tipperary.

On Friday, June 16, 2023 between 3.30pm and 4pm, the new Republic of Korea Ambassador to Ireland H.E Mr. Yong Kil Kim, will visit St Mary's For the First Time.

With him will be Mr Sung il Jong a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. He is also the proposed Chairman of the Irish - Korean inter-parliamentary friendship group.

The names of the delegation are as follows, Mr. Sung il Jong, Head of Delegation - People Power Party, Mr. Hong Youngpye - Democratic Party, Ms Han Jeoungae - Democratic Party, Mr Jo Oseop -Democratic Party. They will also be accompanied by Ms Na Young KIM, Support Staff member.

Embassy staff will be led by H.E Ambassador Mr Young Kil Kim, Mr Chanwoo Kim Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Stephen Murphy, Ambassadors Researcher.

This is a great opportunity for members of the Co Council, TD's Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Tourist Board and to all who are interested in Promoting our Town to come along and to meet with this special delegation from the Republic of Korea National Assembly.

On Thursday, June 15, the delegation will meet with the Ceann Comhairle in Leinster House. Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee and the Republic of Korea Embassy have built a great friendship going back to 2013 when planning the Republic of Korea Memorial to the 110 Irish who died in the Korean War 1950 / 1953.

The memorial was erected and unveiled By the then Republic of Korea Ambassador to Ireland H.E Mr Hae - yun Park, on June 25, 2014.

The Korean Memorial is the only one of its kind in the Republic of Ireland. The Friendship built over the years has gone from strength to strength. The new Ambassador will be the fifth that will visit St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance.

The Republic of Korea Embassy and its Government are very aware of what St Mary's International Garden is all about in remembering all who have died in all wars in the service of peace at home and overseas. Our local, national and International Heroes all are remembered with dignity and pride.

The Republic of Korea Embassy, Mr Martin Semple, Denver Colorado, USA are our main sponsors. We have here in Thurles a very special International Garden of Remembrance that is also twinned with the Irish Memorial Garden in Tibnin South Lebanon; a hidden Thurles Tipperary Gem.

Talking to people from all over Ireland and from overseas ask how come we don't know more about St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance.

Well, I can tell you Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee have been promoting St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance and the Town of Thurles for the past 23 years. It is now time for all interested groups and politicians who have an interest in promoting and selling our Town.

We have a lot to offer when it comes to our history, so why not get out there and work on what we have to offer the tourists? All are welcome to come along and meet with the Republic of Korean Delegation.

On Monday, June 26 at 7pm, a special mass will be celebrated in St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance Thurles, Tipperary, for all who are interred in St Mary's Cemetery and for all who are remembered with dignity and pride in St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance.

All are welcome to come along to our Mass of Remembrance.