Irish Ambassador Anne-Marie Callan celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at the Faculty of Education of Constantine the Philosopher University (PF UKF) in Nitra.
On 18 March 2016, students of the Department of Language Pedagogy and Intercultural Studies (KLIŠ) of PF UKF in Nitra celebrated the traditional Irish holiday – St. Patrick’s Day. Although it was already the fifth year of these celebrations organised by 4th year KLIŠ students, this year was extraordinary in several respects. Among other rare guest visits, the Faculty of Education was honoured by a visit from the Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland in Slovakia, Her Excellency Anne-Marie Callan. The celebrations were exceptional also thanks to the participation of pupils and students of several primary and secondary schools in Nitra, who thus had the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the academic ground. They were offered a unique opportunity to join the university students at least for a short while and to experience the beauty of Irish culture.
The program consisted of dramatic singing and dance performances performed by students from the Department of Language Pedagogy and Intercultural Studies in collaboration with students from the Department of Music. The audience, which consisted of teachers and students, had the opportunity to become a part of a rich programme and thus they also directly participated in the celebration. The characteristic green colour and the Irish tri-colour dominated the decorations and the clothing of those present, as well as the food display. A jury led by the ambassador herself evaluated and rewarded the most original costumes and the most creative dishes. At the start of the program, the ambassador addressed both teachers and students and expressed her sincere thanks for being able to participate in this event. She opened her speech, saying: “I’m sure this is the most beautiful and greatest celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Slovakia”. According to her, the celebrations created such an atmosphere that not only did she feel at home, but all those too who were present at the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day 2016 at the Faculty of Education at UKF.
Author of the text: PhDr. Zuzana Tabačková, PhD.
English version: Mgr. Jana Kamenická