Verona Murphy, Speaker of the Irish Parliament (Ceann Comhairle), attended the Festival of Saree: Féile na Saree, hosted by the Indian Embassy in Dublin. The event celebrated the spirit of Swadeshi and Make in India, marking the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Elected in December 2024, Murphy is the first woman to hold this prestigious position in over a century of Irish parliamentary history. Her presence at the event was historic, being the first time a Speaker of Ireland attended a cultural function at the Indian Embassy. The Indian community warmly welcomed her, especially as she honoured the occasion by wearing a saree. The festival showcased the rich diversity of Indian sarees through hybrid presentations, featuring fabrics, weaving techniques, and regional traditions from 20 Indian states. The event was attended by Irish women influencers, diplomats, and members of the Indian diaspora. Entirely women-led, the cultural program was conceptualized and executed by Reeti Mishra, spouse of the Indian Ambassador, along with women officers of the Embassy and creative members of the Indian community in Ireland. Speaker Murphy also presented certificates of appreciation to the talented women behind the initiative.
