On 26 August 2022, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender hosted a Bürgerfest (Citizens’ Festival) in the park of Schloss Bellevue in Berlin. This year’s motto was “Committed to making a difference!” with a focus on young people. Ireland was Country of Honour at the festival, and we were particularly delighted that Thomas O’Grady from 12th Class was invited to represent Irish students and St. Kilian’s Deutsche Schule. Unfortunately, the festival could not go ahead as planned and had to be cancelled on the first day due to severe weather warnings. However, everyone was invited to visit the Palace’s Open Day on the following day, where partners and supporters of the Citizens’ Festival presented their activities including music and stage performances. Guests got the opportunity to experience the very best of Irish culture, Irish food & drink. This included Irish storytelling, traditional music, virtual trips through Ireland as well Irish traditional sports and dance performed by the world-famous Irish dance group Riverdance.
‘In late August 2022, I was invited to participate in a panel discussion at “German President Steinmeier’s Citizens’ Festival “. The topic of the conversation was centered on how politicians can better engage with the youth and widen young people’s interest in politics. I was there to “represent” Irish students in the discussion as this year Ireland was the country of honour at the festival.
Unfortunately, however, the panel discussion had to be cancelled due to bad weather. Although this was disappointing, I was kindly invited to dinner by the Ambassador of Ireland to Germany, H.E. Dr. Nicholas O’Brien, along with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, and others that worked at the Irish Embassy in Berlin.
The next day, I was invited back to the citizen’s festival. The atmosphere was electric with a fashion show, interesting discussions, and even Irish trad music. There I also got to meet and snap a quick photo with president Steinmeier and his wife.
Although I didn’t get to do what I came for I still got to visit Berlin and have interesting conversations with different politicians. I’m incredibly grateful for being invited to have this wonderful experience.’ – Thomas O’Grady (12th Class)
