The Nigerian community in Dundalk added some African flair to the traditional St Patrick’s Day celebrations through the town for the first time this year, with three groups taking part in the parade.
The integration effort was spearheaded by local entrepreneur Frank Nwaubani under the auspices of Nwannedinamba – “an Igbo cultural group that is striving for social and cultural integration of Nigerians in Ireland and in Dundalk.”
Come the day, Nwaubani’s group was joined by members of a local African church and an exuberant team of youngsters from the New Generation Academy Football Club.
Nwaubani later told Metro Éireann: “This year’s St Patrick’s Day is the very first time that we Nigerians in Dundalk have taken part in the parade. Today was something to write home about.
“We enjoyed ourselves, and feel we are becoming even more a part of the community, and are well accepted. In future parades I know even more Nigerians will come to join in.”
