Tipperary memorial committee guests at Korean Ambassador’s annual dinner

On December 16, 2025, members of the Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee were special guests of the Republic of Korea Ambassador to Ireland HE Mr Yong-kil Kim for their annual Christmas dinner.

Their day started with Eugene Scally, Bridget Wort and Johnny Wort at Thurles Railway station and their journey on the 10:40am train to Dublin.

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They were met at Houston Station by Roberto with the Ambassador's car, and driven to Seoul Manor, the ambassador’s residence.

They were the first to arrive, and it gave them time to settle in for a friendly chat to meet the Ambassador's wife, Deputy Head of the mission, and some of the Embassy Mission staff.

They say they had a great afternoon.

They had a six-course meal of traditional Korean food, which they say was beautiful, and all the work of a young Korean lady who had just finished her apprenticeship.

From 1pm to 3:30pm, they had a great conversation, filled with light-hearted jokes and an exchange of what life was like when they were growing up in Ireland.

They say HE Mr Yong-kil Kim and his wife had some great stories to tell.

The Ambassador, his wife and the Mission Officials all came from different parts of The Republic of Korea.

But they say all of their stories were very much the same back then, as in Ireland, they did not have very much, and everything was scarce, including food, money, and medical supplies, and there was very little work to go around.

But listening to the Ambassador, his wife and Embassy Staff, their way of life was very much like theirs.

Ambassadors to the Republic of Korea have been great allies to the Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee throughout the years.

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They have attended their Remembrance Sunday ceremonies going back to 2013.

They have taken a great interest in St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance and what it stands for.

They have become one of the committee’s main sponsors, along with with Dr Martin and Joe Ann Semple of Denver, Colorado.

The opportunity to twin Thurles with one of their towns is on the agenda.

Chairman of the committee John Wort has mentioned the matter to the Administrator, who has brought it to one of the local County Councillors to put it forward.

At the close of proceedings, the group was driven back by Roberto.

They say it was a beautiful afternoon with their host, his wife, and invited guests, one of them a veteran from the Korean War, Ra La Soul.

They say they were made to feel so much at home, the hospitality and the company something that they will always cherish.