Dublin City Council teams up with St Patrick’s Athletic and Dublin South City Partnership for Multicultural Celebration Family Fun Day

Dublin City Council has announced the continuation of its partnership with St Patrick’s Athletic and Dublin South City Partnership with a free Multicultural Family Fun Day last Saturday, June 10th. 

The day, which was about Celebrating Diversity in the Dublin South City area, took place from 11am to 2pm in St. Patrick’s Soccer Grounds in Richmond Park.

The free returning event boasted a diverse list of music, dance, sport and creative activities.

On the day there were food stalls with ethnic food for sampling, cultural music and dance from Ireland, Africa and Georgia and sporting activities including soccer, GAA and boxing.

Also present on the day were a number of pop-ups with key support agencies from around the south city area available to discuss their services and activities. Over three hours, a diverse group of exhibitors gathered to showcase their cultural talents.

Pictured enjoying the day were Tianna, Zainab, Aqsa and Amirah.

Speaking on the return of the event, Una Lowry, CEO of Dublin South City Partnership stated that her organisation is “proud to once again partner with local bodies to demonstrate the possibilities integration and inclusion can bring to the locality of Dublin 8.

“Presenting a welcoming and warm atmosphere for all who arrive to the community is of the utmost importance, and events such as these are an encouraging way to get people involved and engaged.”

Community Officer with St Patrick’s Athletic, Niall Cully, added “We are thrilled to be able to share Richmond Park with locals, old and new, and help to raise awareness of the diversity to be found throughout Inchicore and, indeed, Dublin 8.”

Pictured were St Patrick’s Academy members Feranmi Makinwa (13) with his sisters Feyi (8) and Numi (16) from Balbriggan.

Beatrice Casserly, Dublin City Council Social Inclusion Officer, expanded upon the need for events such as these in building healthy community relations and tackling the stigma surrounding refugees and asylum seekers being housed in areas across Dublin.

“It is so important that each and every one of us feels a connection to where we live, and feel secure enough in that connection to know that our community is there or us and supports us.

“That’s why Dublin City Council is proud to sponsor events like these; events that showcase the strength and power to be found in diversity at a local level, promoting neighbourly support and friendships.

“Families need to know that this new or temporary home is a welcoming one, and that Dubliners look out for all.”