Eire

Fr Tom is presently the chaplain to the Irish community in Sydney.

1.   What's the connection between WYD, your country and you?
Being the Irish Chaplain in Sydney, means that I am a link person for the several Irish dioceses coming to Australia for the WYD. I have been to the WYD in Rome in the year, 2000, and thus have a slight knowledge of what the atmosphere is like for a pilgrim going to a WTD event.

2.   How many pilgrims are coming to Sydney from your country?
From the figures given to me by the Irish Consulate in Sydney, I believe that we have over 500 from Ireland. However we also have several hundred Irish backpackers already in Australia whom I believe will come to Sydney for the event, and will be joining their friends at what will be a great experience.

3.   What are some of the main Dioceses, cities and groups represented?
The main dioceses are Dublin, Wexford, Limerick, Meath, Kildare, Down, and a few other smaller places. We will also have groups coming with the Jesuits, Franciscans, Trinity College in Dublin, and a group known as Youth 2000.

4.   Will your country be represented in the 'Papal Plate' WYD Soccer Competition?
I am sure that there will be a team representing Ireland in the Papal Plate.

5.   Is your country having a National Gathering at WYD and if so, when and where is it on?
We will be hosting the Irish community here in St Patrick’s at Bondi, and I am sure that people will turn up to have a good celebration on one of night here. We, Irish, are a group of people who just have party without proper organization, and I am sure that with the use of mobile phones that a party will be organised throughout the Sydney area.

6.   Are there any migrants from your country living in Australia - if so how many?
Given that one third of the population of Australia has Irish background or roots, you can be assured that there is strong Irish groups of Irish migrants living in the country. Also on the basis that over 10,000 Irish backpackers come to Australia every year, there will be a strong Irish presence in Sydney in the coming weeks.

7.   Any National Foods of interest?
Irish stew, Irish tea, such as Barry’s , Tayto crisps, Odlum’s Soda Bread mix, MacDonald Curry Sauce, Chef sauce, Pork Sausages, and Black and White Pudding.

8.   Any National Past-Times of interest?
Gaelic games, such as Hurley, Football, and Soccer.

9.   Describe your country in 3 words:
Wet, Warm, and Wild.

10. What little souvenirs will your country’s pilgrims bring to WYD to share their nationality with other pilgrims?
I think that mainly the Irish pilgrims will bring their sense of fun, and also the ability to mix well with other people. The people of Australia with whom I have worked have always said to me that the Irish people are one of the friendliest people that they have ever encountered. And I think that it very true. We are a nation of travellers, and we have travelled down to Australia over the past 200 years bringing the Irish culture, music, literature, and our faith with us.

Image courtesy of soylentgreen23 (Creative Commons License), Flickr.