Vlnr: Marc Caen – Ambassadeur Kevin Conmy – Jozef Coghe – Bart sr Depestel
January 2022: New Year's wishes from Mr Kevin Conmy, the newly appointed Irish Ambassador to Belgium, are expressed via a newsletter from the Irish Embassy.
He succeeds Ambassador Helen Nolan, who has been assigned a new assignment.
Due to covid conditions, among other things, the board of Flanders-Ireland had not yet the pleasure of getting to know Mr Conmy personally, until last Tuesday, May 31, when we gladly accepted the invitation to travel to Brussels for a meeting.
Unfortunately, a railway strike had been announced, but - believe it or not - through a few detours and a little patience we got there 'easily'.
The reception by Deputy Head of Mission Mrs Erica Lee was spontaneous and we were immediately more than welcomed with a cup of coffee.
We learned through a preparatory conversation that our 'hostess' is already well established in Belgium and likes to discover the charm of Brussels.
A smiling Ambassador completed our company and thanks to a good, friendly chat a lot of information was exchanged about Ireland, Flanders and of course our association.
Time flies quickly and with the 'inevitable' photos, an appointment was made for a new meeting later this year.
PS: The way back - still strike - went just as smoothly as the outward journey.
Bart sr Depestel
From left to right: Marc Caen – Miss Erica Lee – Jozef Coghe – Bart sr Depestel