St Patrick’s Day 2023 Celebrates a Century of Peace Building in the World with Tolü Makay Singing 'Danny Boy'

St Patrick’s Day 2023 marks a century of Ireland’s active membership of the international community, contributing to peace building and supporting democracy, human rights and justice across the globe. And to mark the occasion, Ireland has produced a special Happy St. Patrick’s Day video.

Among the highlights is a thrilling performance of the song ‘Danny Boy’ by Tolü Makay, which is available to see now on the Department of Foreign Affairs YouTube channel.

'Danny Boy’ was written by an Englishman, Fred Wetherley, to the classic Irish tune known as The Derry Air. It has gone on to become am Irish-American favourite and a classic song in the Irish canon. ‘Danny Boy' has been sung by dozens of major stars, including Judy Garland, Harry Belafonte, Paul Robeson, Elvis Presley, Andy Williams, Johnny Cash, Charlotte Church, Sinead O’Connor and Eva Cassidy, among many more. And now by Tolü Makay…

Tolü Makay was one of the stars at the Hot Press curated Nothing Compares: A Celebration of Irish Women Artists, held in the Moat Theatre, in Naas, to mark the inaugural bank holiday on Brigid’s Day. Others to perform on the night, which was supported by Kildare County Council, included Imelda May, Mary Stokes, Susan O’Neill, Megan O’Neill, Gemma Dunleavy, DJ Mona Lxsa and poet Laura Murphy. Ireland’s First Woman and wife of President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins, also read two poems to mark the occasion.

"St Patrick’s Day 2023 will see the most ambitious ever engagement by Ireland with the world, with Ministers reaching out to Governments and Irish communities on every continent to promote Ireland and Irish interests,” the Department of Foreign Affairs has said in a statement. Thirty-six representatives of the Irish state will bring Ireland’s message of Peace to the world, hosting over 850 official events in 70+ cities across 41 countries.

The aim is for Ministers to mark a number of significant anniversaries which fall in 2023, including the Centenary of Ireland’s joining the League of Nations, the 50th anniversary of our accession to the then EEC, and especially the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

"These pivotal moments in our history will be extensively covered in events around the world,” the statement says, "particularly in the US where a Good Friday Agreement event will be hosted by each of Ireland’s 9 US missions. The signature event will be a Gala St Patrick’s Day concert in the Kennedy Centre Washington, hosted by the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, acknowledging the contribution of the United States to peace in Ireland.

Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD said: “St Patrick’s Day is a special celebration for Irish people and friends of Ireland all around the world. It is an opportunity to celebrate the best of Ireland – the best of who we are.

“This year, we mark a century of peace building in the World, highlighting Ireland's role as an active member of the international community. From joining the League of Nations 100 years ago to our recent term on the Security Council, Ireland’s commitment to democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law has been steadfast. We have used our independent voice to highlight injustice and human suffering – and we will continue to build on this work over the next 100 years.

“This St. Patrick's Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to nurturing a peaceful and thriving island. We can only succeed when we work together. Ireland will always be a voice for peace and for democratic values, all over the world.

“St. Patrick’s Day is a special day for the 70 million strong Irish diaspora all around the world. who bring energy, strength and dynamism to their communities and who are wonderful representatives of Ireland.

“I would encourage everyone to visit www.ireland.ie,” he added, "to see some of the activities and events taking place across to globe to celebrate our national day. Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh go léir.”

The core theme of the Department of Foreign Affairs St Patrick’s video is Ireland’s commitment to peace-building from the very inception of our State, through active multilateralism and unswerving adherence to democratic values. It can be viewed on the Department’s social media including YouTube.

Over 850 official St. Patrick’s Day events will take place all around the world, organised by our Embassies and Consulates – focused on engaging with our hugely vibrant Irish community and Diaspora, promoting trade and investment, and celebrating Irish culture.

Watch the video, featuring Tolü Makay's rendition of 'Danny Boy' below:

Read Tolü Makay's Hot Press cover story here.

In a room of distinguished guests in Washington DC, and @ToluMakay’s voice has brought the room to a standstill with her version of Danny Boy recorded specially as the official @dfatirl’s song marking a century of peacekeeping, as we mark 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement. 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/MSjirt5A2B

— Shane (@ItsGillen) March 16, 2023