konkans irelanD
....where konkani lives
Inception
During the turn of the century, in the early 2000s, there was a steady flow of Indians coming to Ireland mostly into the Health and IT sector. Among them were a few nurses from Mangalore who were brave enough to come to this new land where no one from the community had been before. Within a few years, there were about 10 to 15 Konkani speaking Mangalorean families all over the country. Initially, they would only meet for Birthdays and Anniversaries and other functions at each other's homes.
In early 2006, when some of the Mangaloreans met at a private party, the idea of putting together an informal group was born. After a lot of hard work by Mr. Anil D'Souza, Mrs. Arathi Noronha and Mr. Ashok Cutinha in identifying and collecting all Mangaloreans living in Dublin and across the country, a group was finally formed. The group which called itself 'Irish Konkans' first met for a Christmas party on 16th December 2006 at Riverside Community Hall in Dublin. The first committee was elected on this day and the group was renamed as 'Konkans Ireland'.
As on today...
Below is a video clip of Monthi fest celebrations (Feast of Nativity) and showcases how a small group of few families has today grown into a big community.
10 years of Konkans Ireland...
The enthusiastic members of Konkans Ireland met every year to celebrate Easter, Nativity and Christmas and their annual summer picnic. The group grew each year with new members joining who brought in fresh ideas and novel ways of organizing events each year. The goal of giving an insight to the Konkani Mangalorean culture was achieved by introducing Stations of the Cross during Lent and having 9 days of Nativity novenas at various members homes. The children would actively participate during these days. The cultural programs organized at these festivals had performances from members children like Indian/Western dance, short dramas and playing of musical instruments that gave them a platform to showcase their talent.
10th Anniversary
The 10th anniversary was held at Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown, Dublin on 11th December 2016.
A Grand and Pompous celebration was attended by most members both old and new. A souvenir commemorating 10 years of Konkans Ireland was presented to every member present on that day.