Sierra Leone Independence Day 2025

On Saturday 26th April, SLIP celebrated Sierra Leone’s 64th Independence Day with the Sierra Leone diaspora community in Limerick in Mungret St. Paul’s GAA Club. Friends of Sierra Leone in Ireland joined Sierra Leoneans who came from all parts of Ireland for the celebration which started at 2pm.

This year SLIP included an Awards ceremony in recognition of award to pioneers and contributors to the development of Sierra Leone. SLIP Chairperson, Betsy Sam introduced the awards which were beautifully printed and framed for the occasion. The award recipients were;
Councillor Dan McSweeney representing the Mayor of Limerick- for Limerick County Council hosting Sierra Leoneans in the community.
The following religious sisters brothers and priests were awarded for their pioneering missionary and development work in Sierra Leone over past 100+ years, the Holy Rosary Sisters, the Cluny Sisters, and the Spiritans. A special award was also presented to Dr. Sinead Walsh, First Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone who served in Sierra Leone during the Ebola Epidemic. There was also an award for Elders of Sierra Leone presented to Rev Fr. Michael Fillie, Sierra Leonean and Irish Spiritan. Finally, a special award to the pioneers of SLIP which was founded 33 years ago was presented to Jim Owens and Ger Horgan who represented SLIP pioneers.

The Awards were followed by an evening of celebration with wonderful Afro beats and favourite Sierra Leone songs played by DJ Ibrahim. Everyone danced and then queued for beautifully prepared food. There was also the blessing led by Rev Fr. Augustine Bangalie and a special birthday cake for Sierra Leone. The photos capture the joy of the occasion and everyone felt renewed connection with each other and beloved Sierra Leone. As the song goes….Oh Oooo Ooo Oh Wi lek wi Salone.

LtoR, Councillor Dan McSweeney, Mr. Ibrahim Bah, Ms. Betsy Sam, Chairperson SLIP
Fr. Michael Fillie (Right) presents Award to Dr. Sinead Walsh, Climate Director, Irish Aid and First Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone & Liberia (2014-2016) with Ms. Betsy Sam, Chairperson, SLIP.
LtoR Betsy Sam, Mr. Ibrahim Bah presents pioneer award to Sr. Rowena of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny. Also, Sr. Gertrude and Sr. Carmel. Sister Teresa McKeon (pictured below with Ambassador Aidan Fitzpatrick) recently received a Presidential Award from President Michael D. Higgins in recognition of Sr. Teresa’s 70 years work in Sierra Leone in particular work to support and empower women and girls. Sr. Teresa is still in Sierra Leone.

(LtoR) Ms. Betsy Sam and Councillor Dan McSweeney present award to the pioneers of SLIP represented by Jim Owens and Ger Horgan. Liam McGlynn SLIP committee.