Monaghan County Council hosted successful events in Monaghan and Castleblayney to celebrate Africa Day 2024

Posted on By jmcanenly

Africa Day takes place annually across the globe on May 25th. In Ireland people came together to enjoy a celebration of the diversity of African culture and heritage.

Africa Day has a strong tradition of being celebrated in Monaghan with events taking place this year in both Monaghan and Castleblayney. These local events celebrated the contribution which African people have made to their communities in Monaghan, and to wider Irish society. Africa Day celebrations are organised by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with African embassies in Ireland and local authorities around the country.

The first event in Monaghan,  titled “Strength in Diversity “, was held on Thursday 23rd May at the Íontas Centre in Castleblayney. The event, which was organised by LINC Society Ltd, had an array of entertainment on offer including African Dance, henna design making workshop, a Cultural Exhibition and African food.

The second event to mark Africa Day 2024 took place on Saturday 25th May at Teach na nDaoine Family Resource Centre. An array of entertainment was on offer including African music, dance, food and traditional dress. The event was attended by members of the African community from throughout Monaghan as well as a large number of local residents.

Commenting, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council Cllr. David Maxwell, said: “I am delighted that Monaghan has celebrated Africa Day once again as it provides an opportunity to acknowledge our diverse and vibrant African communities who enrich our communities and make a valuable contribution to Irish society. I would like to commend both Monaghan County Council and Irish Aid for their role in this worthy initiative.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the two organisers, LINC Society Ltd. and Teach na Daoine who continue to do so much to celebrate all that is great about African cultures and traditions in Monaghan”.

Sean Fleming, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, said:

“Africa Day is an important event to celebrate Ireland’s growing links with the continent of Africa, and to showcase African culture, music, dance and much more. Ireland has growing trade, political and cultural links across the continent of Africa. Africa Day is an opportunity to promote those links and learn more about the diversity and vibrancy of African cultures. Events have been taking place nationwide.”

For more information visit:

For more information visit www.AfricaDay.ie and Monaghan County Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.