The first Kuwait Ambassador to Ireland visits Tipperary

The first Kuwait Ambassador to Ireland H.E Mr Mohammad AL Muhammad, visited St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance on Saturday, July 8.

His Excellency was welcomed by Chairman Mr John Wort, who introduced H.E to Thurles Cathaoirleach Sean Ryan, Chairman of the Councillor Peggy Ryan, Mr Jerry O Hear, President of the Thurles Lions Club, Dr Michael Casey Fellow of the Irish State, Assistant Commander Mr P.J Ryan Knights Of Magistracy Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rome and Malta, Mr Domnic Moore President of the Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee, Committee Members Mrs, Bridine O Gorman, Mr Willie Ryan Garda Retired, Mr Eugene Scally, Mr Shane O Brien, Local Historian Mr Paddy Loughnane.

Mr Jim Troy Photographer. H.E Mr Mohammad was on a three-day visit. On Saturday morning, July 8, St Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance was high on the Ambassador’s agenda.

Mr John Wort, Chairman of the committee, had the pleasure to accompany the Ambassador on a private tour of St Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance. H.E Mr Mohammad asked where the idea for the Memorial garden came from.

I explained it was when I seen the Vietnam and The Republic of Korea Memorials in Washington back in 1998. It gave me the idea to set up St Mary’s Garden of Remembrance. I put it to the committee, and the rest is history.

His Excellency was very impressed with all the Memorials.

He said it was a great honour for him to be here in St Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance, a garden of peace and tranquillity, remembering all your local, national and international heroes.

“I thank the people of Ireland for all the great work over the years, helping to bring peace and stability throughout the world in the service of peace.

“What I have seen here today has inspired me to get more involved with your committee, Your Ceremonies and what St Mary's is all about Remembrance and Peace. I will be telling all my fellow Ambassadors in Dublin of my visit.

“The hospitality and the welcome you have given me here this morning.

“I am very honoured and thankful to you for having me here with you this Saturday morning.”

The Ambassador then made a presentation to Mr John Wort, Chairman of the Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee, for his work and dedication to St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance.

H.E. thanked the Chairman for the historic tour of St Mary's.

On Sunday, July 9, deceased members of North Tipperary United Nations Veterans Associations Post Number 18 Joe Ryan Ballenulty, Thurles and Liam Gaffney Cloughjordan were remembered in prayer at the 9am Mass in Tibnin, South Lebanon.

Joe and Liam would have visited St Georges Church in Tibnin when attending Ceremonies in the Irish Memorial Garden on the Grounds of St George’s church.

St Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance Thurles is Twinned with the United Nations Irish Memorial Garden in Tibnin.

Full Caption:Assistant Commander P.J Ryan Knights of Magistracy Grace Of The Order Of St John Of Jerusalem Of Rome and Malta, Councillor Sean Ryan Chairman Thurles. H.E Mr.Mohammad F. AL Mohammad Kuwait Ambassador to Ireland, John Wort Chairman Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee. Photo by Jim Troy