THE NEW BRITISH Ambassador to Ireland has shown off impressive Irish language skills as she officially started in her new role.

Kara Owen was among a number of new ambassadors to present their Letters of Credence to President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin today. 

Today marked that last such ceremony that President Higgins will preside over.

Kara Owen presenting her Letter of Credence to President Higgins

The Ambassadors were accompanied to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an Escort of Honour drawn from Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin. 

A Guard of Honour was also provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by the Air Corps, while Captain Tom Kelly conducted the No. 1 Army Band, which is based in Cathal Brugha Barracks.

Owen has over three decades of experience in international diplomacy and was most recently British High Commissioner to Singapore following postings in Paris, Hanoi, and Hong Kong.

Speaking in Irish during the ceremony, Owen said: “Is mór an onóir dom a bheith ainmnithe mar Ambasadóir na Ríochta Aontaithe go hÉirinn. (It’s a great honour to introduce myself as the new British Ambassador to Ireland.)

“Mar chomharsana, tá an ceangailt idir an Bhreatain agus Éireann fíor thábhachtach agus speisialta… tá nasc láidir idir ár muintir. (As neighbours, the relationship between Britain and Ireland is a very important and special one… our people share a strong bond.)

“Tá mé geallta chun feabhas a chur ar ghaolta idir ár dá thír agus mé ag obair mar ambasadóir. (I am committed to improving relations between our two countries in my role as ambassador.)

“Creidim go bhfuil na laethanta is gile amach romhainn.” (I believe that brighter days lie ahead.)

Speaking after the ceremony, Owen said being appointed as Ambassador to Ireland is the “fulfilment of a career-long wish”.

“I look forward to working together on an ambitious new chapter in our relationship, shaping a future that keeps our citizens safe and our economies thriving in a world of both risk… and opportunity.”

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Owen also reflected on the appointment in a post to social media and introduced herself as Gaelige.

“Bíonn siúlach scéalach,” she added, an Irish proverb which means “those who travel have stories to tell”.

She said her connection to Ireland is personal and added: “My Irish family and my time living here in Ireland has given me an insider’s view into the world, the creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit that makes up this remarkable country.”

Owen further remarked that the “connection between our two countries goes beyond geography”.

She noted that the UK is Ireland’s third largest trading partner, and Ireland is the UK’s sixth.

Last year, over €100 billion in goods and services where exchanged between the two.

She added: “Ireland shows better than any country I know how sport builds community.

“I hope it’s a good omen for me that I was lucky enough to be there for the Camogie All-Ireland final this year – comhghairdeas le Gaillimh.”