""Food, friendship, music and song are reminders of what Irish people are," she said, adding "that identity is much stronger" when friendship is extended to all newcomers. Mercedes Verona Pereira, from Cuba - one of the event organisers - told the gathering: "You don't need to fear anything, as our mutual responsibility as a community is to take care of you.""
"The invite to President Connolly, issued by the Kinvara For All group, came just six months after a convoy of farm machinery was driven through the streets of the south Galway village to protest the Merriman Hotel's designation as an international protection accommodation centre. The hotel, located in the village centre, first accommodated international protection applicants in 2019, and housed Ukrainian refugees from 2022."
The Merriman Hotel in Kinvara hosted a celebration of music and food attended by about 70 asylum seekers and 60 local residents. Food, friendship, music and song are described as reminders of Irish identity, and identity is said to strengthen when friendship extends to newcomers. Newcomers were reassured that they need not fear because the community has a mutual responsibility to care for them. Ten local families opened their kitchens so hotel residents from 15 countries could prepare ethnic dishes. The hotel previously housed international protection applicants since 2019 and Ukrainian refugees from 2022 and faced local protests and an unsuccessful High Court challenge. A community group formed on the belief that anyone living in the area belongs to the community.
Read at Irish Independent
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