Embassy history
History of the Embassy
The Irish Embassy is located in the beautiful Whitehall Mansions, located on the western shore of Msida Creek in Marsamxett harbour, with views of the Valletta bastions.
Whitehall Mansions is also home to the embassies of Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and the British High Commission, together with a number of private sector businesses.
The building is perhaps best known locally as being the home of the WRNS (Women's Royal Navy Service) after WWII to 1972. Msida Creek also served as the base for submarines operating out of Malta in WWII.
Historical links between Malta and Ireland
The links between Ireland and Malta are as varied as they are surprising.
In 1799 the first group of 700 Irish soldiers and their families are believed to have arrived in St Paul’s Bay having sailed from Cork to Sicily initially. They were likely assumed by the Maltese to be English since the men spoke English and wore the same uniform as English soldiers.
Throughout the 1800s, records show young Irish women and men continued to arrive in Malta, to marry and have families and become part of Maltese society. Where occupations are listed for the women, schoolmistress is the occupation that occurs most regularly, most likely working with the children of British troops.
In 1895, the Primate of All Ireland, Cardinal Logue paid a short visit to Malta and was given a rousing welcome. Cardinal Logue was so impressed by the Maltese he asked the Vatican authorities to elevate St Publius, Floriana’s patron saint to “First Class” on the hierarchy of saints’ feast days. In return the Floriana parish commissioned a portrait of Cardinal Logue which today still hangs in the sacristy of Saint Publius parish church in Floriana.
Not long afterwards, in the summer of 1905, Floriana played a friendly football match against the Royal Dublin Fusiliers who were stationed in Floriana. After the match which Floriana won 2-1, the Irishmen gave their green and white striped vests to Floriana who immediately adopted them as their new official colours which they play in today.
Some historians contend that the nickname “Tal Irish” ('The Irish') was given to the City of Floriana and its inhabitants, which has stuck to this day.
The Embassy is indebted to Mr Nigel Holland for his work in revealing the connections between Ireland and the city of Floriana.
The Irish have also played a role in Maltese politics. In the 1920's Doctor Michael Dundon from Patrickswell in Limerick led the Parliamentary Labour Party and was responsible for the Health portfolio.
A rather poignant story relates to the grave of a young Irishman in San Lawrenz cemetery outside Birgu. A 23-year-old marine, Thomas McSweeney, originally from Kanturk, was executed on HMS Rodney on 8th of June 1837.
According to an article by Liam Collins in the Irish Independent of 6 February 2011 Thomas' grave is said to have miraculous properties and locals relate tales of a ghost sighting. Liam reports that Thomas' tomb had been maintained by devotees with flowers and candles being laid on a regular basis.
Previous Ambassadors of Ireland to Malta
Name | |
---|---|
Gerald O'Connor | (Chargé d'Affaires) 2005 - 2010 |
James Hennessy | 2010 - 2014 |
Pádraig Mac Coscair | 2014 - 2018 |
Patrick Duffy | 2018-2022 |
Caroline Whelan | 2022 - present |