Text and photos: Juan David Latorre
To mark St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17, the Irish Embassy hosted a reception yesterday at Ambassador Brian Glynn’s residence for the Diplomatic Corps and the Irish community residing in Spain.
After commemorating 90 years of diplomatic relations between Spain and Ireland, Ambassador Brian Glynn introduced Irish Government Minister Mary Butler, who holds responsibility for the parliamentary majority and is also Minister of State for Mental Health.
Ambassador Glynn recalled the recent visit of Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin to Madrid. “He had an excellent meeting with Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, whom we never tire of remembering and whose English we learned in Ireland. He is the first Spanish Prime Minister who speaks English,” he emphasized. “That’s why 35,000 people come to Ireland from Spain to learn English every year,” he noted.
With Ireland Week approaching in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, the ambassador commented that public participation in the parade along the Gran Vía is so large that “we have humbly renamed it ‘Green Vía’ during this very special week. An important factor in the peace and prosperity that Ireland and Spain enjoy comes from our shared collaboration with the European Union. We are very excited to assume the presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026.”
The Irish ambassador highlighted the presence of Irish wine at the reception, Old Roots Irish Wine, jokingly emphasizing that “this is no joke. Ireland produces wine. I can assure you that one of the consequences, the only positive consequence, of climate change is that you can enjoy a good Irish wine in the next 10 or 15 years. You can say you tasted it first at the Irish Embassy in Madrid.” Next, Mary Batler, the Minister responsible for the Government Majority and for Mental Health, took the floor. “As many of you know,” she noted, “in Ireland we see this day not only as a celebration of our national identity, but also as an opportunity to connect with the wider world, with countries and communities that share an affinity with our country. That is why, every year, representatives of the State of Ireland travel around St. Patrick’s Day to promote Ireland and Irish interests and values around the world. Thirty-six Irish ministers travel to more than 70 cities in 50 countries. Ireland truly is a global island.”
The Irish minister continued, emphasizing that “my role in mental health is profoundly significant. I am committed to strengthening mental health services, reducing stigma, and ensuring that everyone can access timely and appropriate support. I firmly believe that there is no health without mental health. I am looking forward to meeting with the Minister of Health, Monica Garcia, and the Commissioner for Mental Health tomorrow (today). Collaboration and the sharing of perspectives and ideas on mental health are useful and beneficial for everyone.”
Looking back, Mary Butler noted that “there are strong historical connections between Spain and Ireland, dating back to prehistoric times. As a member of the Butler family from Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, and as some of you may know from our beautiful Waterford Crystal, I am delighted that there are descendants of Irish Butlers at our reception today and I look forward to meeting them.” “Spain received tens of thousands of Irish people fleeing conflict and persecution, and these Irish-Spanish people made an enormous contribution to this country. Our modern relationship continues to grow. Like Spain, Ireland is at the heart of the European Union, a vibrant market of more than 450 million people and a positive environment for social change and inclusion,” the minister noted.
“Ireland,” he continued, “will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December of this year, which we consider the guarantee of security for this continent. As an open economy, we are working on every opportunity to protect and promote an ambitious, free, fair, rules-based, and values-driven market, which is crucial for smaller countries like ours. Competitiveness and market depth will be priorities for the Presidency of the European Union. Ireland is deeply committed to a multilateral order with the United Nations. As a small country, Ireland is aware of the importance of supporting, sustaining, and improving multilateral institutions, and I believe this has never been more important than it is now. A multilateral order A framework of rules and values remains our best option for addressing the multitude of challenges we all face today.”
“Ireland is campaigning for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for a three-year term, from January 2027 to 2029. Ireland’s campaign priorities include promoting and protecting civil society space, gender equality and women’s rights, LGBTQI+ rights, the right to food, and the rights of people with disabilities in conflict. All support is welcome. Ireland’s approach to partnership will be guided by our commitment to upholding the human rights and values enshrined in the UN Declaration of Human Rights,” Mary Butler noted. The minister commented in her speech that personal relationships between “the Irish and the Spanish people are built through business, tourism, sport, music, education, art, and culture. The Irish and the Spanish are celebrated for their naturally warm and welcoming spirit, creating an atmosphere in which foreigners quickly feel like friends. In Ireland, hospitality is woven into everyday life.”
Mary Butler concluded by saying, “As a minister in the Irish government, I am a strong believer in the importance of dialogue, communication, and the exchange of ideas. I can see that this afternoon there will be many fruitful and rewarding conversations among the wonderful, diverse group of guests, and I am so excited by the number of people who are here in the room today. They are at every door, they are at every step, they are all here for you, Ambassador. Well done.”
