777 Cork people among the thousands of new Irish citizens

This week marks a new chapter for over 700 people in Cork who were granted Irish citizenship at INEC Killarney.

A total of 777 Cork residents were among the 7,500 applicants from over 143 countries, who made a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State and became Irish citizens in ceremonies this week.

Through seven ceremonies held over two days, the minister for justice, home affairs, and migration, Jim O’Callaghan, was joined by the minister of state with responsibility for migration, Colm Brophy; and the minister of state with responsibility for international law, law reform, and youth justice, Niall Collins.

Speaking before the ceremonies, Mr O’Callaghan said: “These ceremonies mark an important milestone in the lives of those receiving Irish citizenship.

“For each new citizen, it signifies a deep connection to Ireland, its values, and its people.

“Ireland welcomes our new citizens as full members of society, and their contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the fabric of our nation.”

Cork boasts the second-highest number of residents receiving citizenship as part of the June 2025 conferrings, with Dublin welcoming 3,820 new Irish citizens.

Since citizenship ceremonies were first introduced, there has been a total of 212 ceremonies with people from over 180 countries receiving their certificates of naturalisation.

To date, approximately 206,400 people, including minors, have received Irish citizenship since 2011.

Following these Killarney ceremonies, over 7,500 will be added to this figure.

The Edge from U2 was among those being awarded citizenship. Born in Barking, Essex, to Welsh parents, he has lived in Ireland since he was one year old.

He described becoming an Irish citizen as “a monumental day for all of us.”