Sligo County Council was honoured to host a distinguished delegation of ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Poland at County Hall on Thursday 9th October.
Visit of Ambassadors to County Hall
Sligo County Council Welcomes Ambassadors from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Chargé d’Affaires of Poland
Front row: H.E. Jonas Grinevičius, Ambassador of Lithuania; H.E. Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador of Ukraine; Cathaoirleach Cllr Dónal Gilroy; H.E. Kairi Künka, Ambassador of Estonia; H.E. Juris Štālmeistars, Ambassador of Latvia; Mr. Artur Michalski, Chargé d’Affaires of PolandBack row: Brían Flynn, Director of Services; Minister Marian Harkin; Martin Lydon, Chief Executive; Cllr Edel McSharry; Cllr Fergal Nealon; Cllr Marie Casserly, Frank Feighan, TD
The visit marked a significant moment of international friendship, dialogue, and solidarity.
The delegation included:
- H.E. Kairi Künka, Ambassador of Estonia
- H.E. Juris Štālmeistars, Ambassador of Latvia
- H.E. Jonas Grinevičius, Ambassador of Lithuania
- H.E. Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador of Ukraine
- Mr. Artur Michalski, Chargé d’Affaires of Poland
Welcoming the guests, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy, expressed deep appreciation for their presence and the values they represent:
“Your visit marks a moment of genuine friendship and shared purpose. It reminds us that while our nations may be separated by geography, we are united by values — democracy, peace, cultural richness, and the enduring strength of community.”
The delegation had earlier addressed students and members of the public at ATU Sligo, discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader European security concerns. Cathaoirleach Gilroy commended their commitment to truth and engagement, noting the importance of educating and inspiring future leaders.
In a heartfelt message of solidarity, Cllr Gilroy said:
“Ambassador Gerasko, please know that the people of Sligo — and indeed all of Ireland — stand in solidarity with your nation. We admire the strength of your people, and we support your right to peace, freedom, and territorial integrity. Neart agus misneach daoibh – strength and courage.”
The Cathaoirleach also highlighted Sligo’s rich cultural heritage and its openness to international collaboration in areas such as tourism, sustainability, and civic exchange.
The visit concluded with a warm invitation to deepen ties between Sligo and the represented nations, reinforcing the role of local government in fostering international understanding and cooperation.
