The Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Pavel Vošalík, the Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Ms. Anna-Carolina (Lina) Holmström van der Weyde and the Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Ms. Tabu Irina presented their Letters of Credence to President Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin.
His Excellency Mr. Pavel Vošalík, Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Her Excellency, Ms. Lina van der Weyden, Ambassador of Sweden and Her Excellency Ms. Tabu Irina, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya, presented their Letters of Credence to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin today.
His Excellency Mr. Pavel Vošalík, Ambassador of the Czech Republic was accompanied by his daughter, Ms Anna Marie Vošalíková, and Mr. Filip Vurm, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Czech Republic.
Her Excellency, Ms. Lina van der Weyden, Ambassador of Sweden was accompanied by her daughter, Ms. Melissa van der Weyden and Ms. Annica White, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden.
Her Excellency Ms.Tabu Irina, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya, was accompanied by her daughter Ms. Christina Dineo Irina, and Ms. Joan W. Muchoki, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Republic of Kenya.
Mr. Thomas Byrne, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht Sport and Media, with special responsibility for Sport and Physical Education, represented the Government at the ceremony.
The following were also present: Ms. Orla O’Hanrahan, Secretary General to the President; Mr. Joe Hackett, Secretary General, Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Paul Kavanagh, Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs; Col Stephen Howard, Comdt Brian Walsh, Comdt Deirdre Newell, Capt Pól Ó Domhnaill, Aides-de-Camp to the President; Mr. Joe Brennan and Ms Cathy Barnicle, Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Ambassadors were accompanied to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from 2 Brigade Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, under the command of Lieutenant Lorcan Smylie.
A Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by 7th Infantry Battalion, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin under the command of Lieutenant Samuel Smyth.
2nd Lieutenant Jack Regan from 7th Infantry Battalion, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin was the flag officer.
Captain Tom Kelly conducted the No. 1 Army Band which is based in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin.
