THE Irish Ambassador to Britain, Adrian O'Neill lit a candle in the window of the Embassy in London today - in honour of the many diaspora members kept apart on St Patrick’s Day 2021 due to Covid-19.
Mr O'Neill's candle is one of many that will be lit today under Tourism Ireland’s (TI) Green Candle initiative.
Irish Ambassador Adrian O'Neill lights a green candle in the Embassy window on St Patrick's Day 2021 (PIC: TI/Matt Crossick)Inspired by the Irish tradition of lighting a candle in a window as a way of guiding strangers in the night, the organisation is calling on Irish people across the world to make sure their candle is lit at 7pm this evening in a bid to keep the diaspora connected even while they are apart this March 17.
“There is a tradition in Ireland of lighting a candle in a window, as a way of guiding strangers in the night,” TI explains.
“At a time when Irish people overseas cannot travel home, we invite you to shine a light during this time, by placing a green candle in a window as beacon of solidarity and hope.”
They add: “The intention is to give our Diaspora a sense of connection with home and remind them that we cannot wait to welcome them back as soon as it is possible to do so.
TI’s Green Candle initiative will commence at 7pm GMT, today (March 17).
You can join the conversation by taking a photo or video of your own candle and uploading it to your social media platforms, using the hashtag #GlobalGreening.
