Over 6,000 new Irish citizens sworn in - including one Irish rugby star

OVER 6,000 people have been granted Irish citizenship in ceremonies in Dublin this week.

Applicants living in all 32 counties on the island of Ireland have been conferred as Irish citizens on Monday, December 18, and Tuesday, December 19.

Among the 6,206 new Irish citizens, who were sworn in six separate ceremonies in the Convention Centre in Dublin, was Leinster and Irish Rugby star, Jamison Gibson-Park, who was conferred with his Irish citizenship during Monday's ceremonies.

The 31-year-old scrum half, born in New Zealand, moved to Ireland to play for Leinster in 2016.

He qualified to play for the Irish squad in 2019 on residency grounds under the World Rugby regulations.

Speaking at Monday's ceremonies, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said; "Attending Citizenship Ceremonies is always a unique privilege as Minister for Justice and I would like to warmly congratulate and welcome our newest citizens on this milestone day in their lives."

Ireland's newest citizens hail from over 131 countries around the world, with India, Brazil and the Philippines as the top three countries for applicants.

Dublin received 2,916 new citizens, the highest number across the 32 counties. Cork, Kildare and Galway had the next highest numbers, with 551, 371 and 254 each.

New citizens swore the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and loyalty to the State, and also undertook to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.

"Today marks the end of one journey and the beginning of an exciting new one for them," continued Minister McEntee.

"Our new citizens enrich Ireland with their presence and our society reaps the benefits which they bring."

The Citizenship Ceremonies this week follow ceremonies held in the RDS in March, Killarney in July and the Convention Centre in October, meaning over 18,000 people have now been conferred with citizenship in 2023.