A historic visit by the Australian Ambassador to Wexford heralds the start of new ties with the county, according to Defence Minister Paul Kehoe T.D. Ambassador Richard Andrews spent Friday) touring Bree, Enniscorthy, Wexford and Our Lady’s Island.

Mr Andrews even got to sample famous Wexford strawberries at the Strawberry Fair festival in Enniscorthy, where he was guest of honour.  Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Andrews said the relationship between Ireland and Australia is particularly important in light of Brexit.

He said Australia firms have consistently looked to the likes of London to invest but that this has now changed in light of the Brexit vote.

“What I’ve been trying to do and one of my reasons in coming to Wexford is to get recognition for the relationships between our two countries that people often don’t hear about,” he said.

“This is now more important than ever in light of Brexit,” he added.

Minister Kehoe said the visit by the ambassador is particularly important in order to showcase what Wexford has to offer.

“Ambassador Andrews has repeatedly said he wants to explore ways of making places like Wexford attractive to Australian companies.”

“Having people like him come to see what Wexford can offer is very important.”

 

Ambassador Andrews began the day in Bree where he visited St Joseph’s National School where he was greeted by an Irish dancing performance, which was choreographed by a local group of students specially for the occasion. 

He was then met with a rendition of ‘Ireland’s Call’, which was sung by the students.

Principal Mark Kelly told the students that Ireland’s rugby team are due to travel to Australia to take on the Ozzies.

He said Wexford’s Tadhg Furlong is in the team and predicted that Australia would suffer from the weight of ‘Typhoon Tadhg’.

The ambassador presented Mark with an Australian rugby scarf. 

Mark spoke about the strong ties between Australia and Ireland, adding that many Irish people have made Australia their home. 

The ambassador was presented with a selection of local food from Bree and special Bree pens from two students born in Australia, Fionn and Niamh.  

The ambassador and Minister also met senior council officials including Director of Services Tony Larkin and council Cathaoirleach Cllr John Hegarty. 

The trip then saw the ambassador visit Our Lady’s Island for the ‘turning of the sod’ on new projects, including an extenstion to Our Lady’s Island Community Centre.

Ambassador Andrews travels through Wexford culminated in a visit to Wheelocks Fruit Farm, near Enniscorthy, a reception at Enniscorthy Castle, and a place on the stage during the official opening of the 51st Strawberry Fair Stret Rhythms and Roots Festival.