This St Patrick’s Day, Newstalk reporter Henry McKean spoke to people who, like him, have made Ireland their home over the years. 

In 1990, Sinéad O’Connor was topping the charts, Mary Robinson became president and Henry McKean first came to Ireland at age 11. 

Henry has gone to school here, studied journalism here, met his wife here – and now, he can finally himself an Irish citizen. 

“I Henry McKean of Skerries, having applied to the Minister for Justice and Equality for certificate of naturalisation, hereby solemnly declare my fidelity to the Irish nation and my loyalty to the state,” the declaration went, confirming Henry’s Irish citizenship. 

To celebrate his first Patrick’s Day as an Irish citizen and honour the thousands of people becoming Irish citizens every year, Henry spoke to some people who officially made Ireland their home. 

Making Ireland Home. We celebrate becoming an Irish citizen with the new Irish. Bank Holiday Monday, Making Ireland Home. With me Henry McKean. @NewstalkFM 1pm. Don’t miss it. pic.twitter.com/RO91KWNzXE

— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) March 15, 2024

Dr Ahmad Basirat is originally from Pakistan and moved to Ireland in 2016 to expand his medical experience. 

He planned to stay for six months, maximum a year – but eight years later, he is now a proud Irish citizen. 

In his near decade in the country, Dr Basirat said he “sees a mixture of patients everyday” in his work as a respiratory doctor in Tallaght University Hospital. 

“I see 10 to 15 different forms of Ireland everyday – it's a combination of a lot of different people,” he said. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Basirat was among those working on front line every day. 

“I got a medal from my own hospital acknowledged our selfless commitment and devotion to our patients and hospital,” he said. 

“I gave my best to Ireland.” 

From England to Ireland

Dubray Book General Manager Maria Dickinson moved to Ireland from Liverpool 25 years ago, meaning she’s been here longer than she was in the UK. 

“I came here after I graduated for a job,” she said. 

“It was just supposed to be for a year like so many of us, but I instantly felt home here and made so many friends.” 

After getting married, having children and moving both her sister and mother over to Ireland, Ms Dickinson thought her citizenship ceremony was going to be a “formality”. 

“I was absolutely blown away by how powerful the ceremony felt for me,” she said. 

“For all intent and purposes this is my home, but I really felt the citizenship ceremony was incredible.”