Ambassador Martin Fraser's Farewell: WIN Says Thank You & Good Luck
Last night, July 15, the Irish Ambassador to the UK, Martin Fraser, hosted his final event before he and his wife, Deirdre, move to New York, where he takes up his new position as Ireland's Permanent Representative to the UN.
A fitting send-off
It was a wonderful, warm night, and a fitting send-off for an Ambassador who has given so much to the Irish community here in Britain. Hundreds of people turned out — representatives from community, charity, business, arts and culture organisations from right across the diaspora, many of whom, like Women's Irish Network, are supported by the funding channels available to the Irish in Britain. Our Chair, Yvonne, and Community Manager, Nuala, represented WIN on the night, and by all accounts, it was an evening full of stories, craic and a genuine sense of gratitude in the room. It was also significant to see so many British and Northern Irish representatives in the room — a testament to the strengthening of the British-Irish relationship during Martin's tenure. Relations between Ireland and Britain have deepened considerably over the last four years, particularly when it comes to Northern Ireland, and Martin's steady, thoughtful diplomacy has played no small part in that.
Martin and Deirdre have been steadfast supporters of WIN, and that support has meant a great deal to our organisation and to the wider community we serve. They have welcomed us with open arms to the Embassy, including our annual reception with the Irish Youth Foundation. Our Chair, Yvonne, had this to say, "Martin and Deirdre have been true friends to WIN. From day one, they understood what we were trying to build and backed it, quietly and consistently, year after year. Nights like last night are a reminder of just how much that support has meant — not just to WIN, but to so many organisations across the community. We're going to miss them both enormously, but we couldn't be happier for Martin as he takes on this new challenge at the UN."
We'd also like to congratulate the Deputy Ambassador, Orla McBreen, and wish her the very best of luck as she takes up her new role as Irish Ambassador to Ukraine. Her support and engagement with the community here will be missed, too, and we know she'll bring the same dedication to her new posting.
We'd also like to say a huge thank you to all the staff at the Embassy, who have always been so welcoming to WIN — and a special shout-out to the Superquinn sausages on the night. If you know, you know!
