Tánaiste and Minister Catherine Martin announce campaign celebrating Ireland and France
The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD have launched a promotional and consular campaign to celebrate and deepen Ireland’s ties with France to coincide with the Rugby World Cup.
The campaign will include high-quality, digital and promotional content showcasing the many economic, cultural and political links Ireland and France share.
The consular element of the campaign will promote consular messaging to Irish fans prior to travel and while in France. The campaign is also encouraging take up of the passport card for travel convenience, to book comprehensive travel insurance and make sure they have a valid European Health Insurance Card.
The Tánaiste said: “I would like to wish the Irish team every success as they finish their preparations for the Rugby World Cup ahead of their first game against Romania on Saturday. I am sure the whole island will come together to support them and will enjoy the tournament.
“France is our closest EU neighbour. The Rugby World Cup presents a wonderful opportunity to promote Ireland in France. Our countries share so many strong links – on and off the rugby field - links that will be strengthened over the next few weeks.
“Our team in France – the Embassy in Paris and Consulate in Lyon - will be providing support and assistance to Ireland fans travelling to France. I would urge all fans travelling to visit Ireland.ie/RWC for tips on enjoying the tournament safely.”
Minister Martin, said: “I am delighted that Irish rugby fans will have an opportunity to visit the Centre Culturel Irlandais to view the Jouez Jouez exhibition and attend concerts by the very talented Goitse and Bronagh Gallagher. The CCI's cultural programme is funded by my Department through Culture Ireland and is a key location for showcasing Irish arts in France. I would encourage everyone attending the World Cup to visit the CCI'S beautiful historic building on Rue des Irlandais which has been central to Franco-Irish relations for almost 250 years.
“France has a great record of hosting memorable sporting tournaments, and I am sure that this year’s Rugby World Cup will be no different. Personally, I am looking forward to what will hopefully be a wonderful tournament, both on and off the pitch. I know the Irish team has already received a fabulous welcome in their host town of Tours, and I wish our French hosts every success over the coming weeks. I know we will all be supporting the Irish team, and I am certain that the team are ready to answer Ireland’s Call.”
Minister for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne will launch the ‘Jouez! Jouez!’ exhibition.
Minister Byrne said: “I am delighted to be officially opening the ‘Jouez! Jouez!’, exhibition, celebrating 120 years of Ireland and France playing rugby. The longstanding friendship between our two nations has often been best represented on the field of play, and indeed by the supporters in the stands, and I am sure that this exhibition will be of great interest to both French and Irish supporters in the coming weeks. I would like to wish both teams the very best of luck for what I am sure will be a wonderful tournament.”
Consular information and promotional content is available on Ireland.ie/RWC and Ireland.ie/France and the Embassy of Ireland and Consulate General websites. Follow the Department of Foreign Affairs on social media for updates related to the campaign.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Ireland and France: Enduring Friendship and Affinity video is available here.
Jouez ! Jouez ! | Centre Culturel Irlandais
The exhibition is free and will be on display from 8 September to 29 October at the Centre Culturel Irlandais, 5 rue des Irlandais, Paris 75005.
The Centre will also host two free concerts during the tournament and a pre-match fans’ rehearsal of Ireland’s Call in the hours before the Ireland – South Africa match.