Filipinos Across Ireland Celebrate National Heroes Day With New Philippine Ambassador

CAVAN, Ireland—Over 300 Filipinos and friends gathered at the Cavan Crystal Hotel to mark Philippine National Heroes Day with the new Philippine Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Daniel R. Espiritu, during the Embassy’s first outreach visit since reopening after 13 years.

The community-led event, organised by cultural advocate and Cavan local Vanda Brady, drew attendees from across Ireland, reflecting the strong presence of over 20,000 Filipinos nationwide.

Local representatives Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley, Brendan Smith TD, and Senator Pauline Tully welcomed the Ambassador and praised the Filipino community’s contributions and expressed their support for stronger ties between Ireland and the Philippines.

Ambassador Espiritu introduced his Embassy team in Dublin and the MWO–OWWA Welfare Officer from London, outlining renewed services for overseas Filipinos. He also explained the significance of Philippine National Heroes Day in the history of the country.  After an overview of the history of Filipino migration in Ireland by community leader Michael Ancheta, a Recognition Ceremony honoured healthcare workers, meat processing staff, IT professionals, teachers, authors, scholars, athletes, and cultural ambassadors who promote Filipino heritage in Ireland and beyond.

The Ambassador also met with the Filipino Nurses in Ireland group to discuss healthcare challenges. The MWO–OWWA team provided onsite services, including contract registration and welfare consultations.

Cultural highlights included performances by the Junior Royal Irish Academy of Music performing group, the Philippine Chorale Ensemble, Joshua Regala of Louis Walsh’s boy band Next in Line, and Proof Juice, a band of Filipino meat factory workers.

The event was supported by Cavan Crystal Hotel, Remitly, and several Filipino-owned businesses who also showcased Philippine products and services. It celebrated the resilience and unity of Filipinos in Ireland while marking a new chapter of engagement with the Embassy.

Photos by: Jun Regala, Con Connolly, and Dax Baldestamon