Pictured at the launch of Africa Day 2025 in County Galway; Back L to R: Jennie Swannock (Galway County Council Integration Team), Innocent Igoh (Africa United Galway), Islammiyah Saudique-Kadejo (AMDAF – Amdalah Africa Foundation), TJ Hughes (Galway County Council Integration Team), Josephine Adejumon (Tuam Embracing Diversity), Uwa Agho (Tuam Embracing Diversity), Ronan Melia (Fáilte Isteach, Tuam), Adebisi Oladipo (Tuam African Community). Front L to R: Frank Owusu (Shining Light Galway), Janet Kehelly (Galway County Council Integration Team), Pamela Mncube (Shining Light Galway).
AFRICA DAY will be celebrated in Tuam on Saturday (May 17th) as part of an annual worldwide celebration of the people, cultures, and potential of the African continent.
Palace Grounds in Tuam will host the festivities which feature contemporary African Irish culture, live music and dance, family entertainment, as well as demonstrations and tastings of African cuisine.
This year, all 31 Local Authorities across Ireland will join in by hosting a variety of cultural, artistic, and family-friendly events.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD (FG) said, “I am honoured to help launch this fantastic event that celebrates the rich cultures of the African continent. Ireland has growing trade, political and cultural links across the continent of Africa. There is also a large Irish African community, who are making significant contributions to our society and economy in towns and villages throughout Ireland”.
“This day is an opportunity to promote those links and learn more about African cultures. I am delighted that local authorities across Ireland will be taking part in Africa Day 2025 and look forward to vibrant celebrations nationwide,” the Junior Minister added.
Cllr Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, commented, “County Galway is proud to join in the worldwide celebration of Africa Day 2025, a vibrant occasion that honours the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of the African continent and our African Irish communities. This year’s event in Tuam promises a wonderful day of music, food, and family-friendly festivities that reflect the diversity and unity at the heart of our county. I warmly invite everyone to join us at the Palace Grounds as we celebrate friendship, culture, and shared futures”.
Jennie Swannock, Integration Support Coordinator for Galway County Council, stated, “Africa Day 2025 in County Galway is being organised by the Galway County Integration Team, which collaborates with both local and national organisations to identify and overcome barriers to integration. This annual event holds a special place on our calendar as it offers a valuable opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural diversity within our communities and to foster greater understanding, inclusion, and connection among all who live here. By highlighting African heritage through music, food, art, and shared experiences, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting integration and building a county where every culture is valued, and every voice is heard”.
Africa Day is an international day that commemorates the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. For more on Africa Day 2025 in the Palace Grounds in Tuam on Saturday 17 May, contact the Galway County Integration Team at integration@galwaycoco.ie or text 087 2971105.
