Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, will visit Thailand and Vietnam from 12 to 21 March 2026 as part of the Government’s St. Patrick’s Day outreach in Southeast Asia. This visit aims to showcase Ireland’s cultural and sporting connections, support Irish community organisations, advance development cooperation priorities, and explore opportunities for Irish enterprise in the region.
Minister McConalogue emphasized that Ireland’s relationship with Southeast Asia continues to grow in depth, noting the outstanding contributions of Irish organisations, businesses, educators, and development partners in the region. He also stated that the visit would help reinforce partnerships and open new avenues for cooperation in sport, culture, education, and sustainable development.
The Minister’s visit will begin in Bangkok, where on 14 March, he will attend the St. Patrick’s Society Emerald Ball at the Amari Bangkok Hotel. This event is one of the most significant annual gatherings for the Irish community in Thailand. On 15 March, he will visit the Thailand GAA ‘Ellies’ children’s training session at NIST International School, meet young players and volunteers promoting Gaelic games, and attend a Muay Thai sporting event, highlighting the strong sporting ties between Ireland and Thailand.
On 16 March, the Minister will participate in a media interview with Radio Thailand and attend a Bord Bia Irish food promotion event at the Anantara Siam Hotel. He will also have dinner with Enterprise Ireland clients and key partners to discuss Irish innovation and commercial engagement in Thailand. On 17 March, the Minister will engage in several St. Patrick’s Day activities, including a television interview with Thai PBS, a visit to the Good Shepherd Centre, and attending the Embassy of Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day Reception.
On 18 March, the Minister will travel to Vietnam, where he will visit the TH School GAA blitz, participate in a photo opportunity with students and coaches, and visit Duc Giang Hospital for a briefing on the regional newborn nutrition project supported by Irish Aid in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. During his visit, he will announce €900,000 in Irish Aid funding for the Alive and Thrive programme. On 19 March, the Minister will meet Deputy Minister Hoàng Đạo Cương to discuss sports and cultural heritage and visit UN House for a briefing on Irish Aid funding for the PAPI/UNDP governance and public administration programme.
Later that evening, he will attend the Embassy’s St. Patrick’s Day Reception in Hanoi and engage with Irish community groups and the Viet Celts GAA. On 20 March, he will travel to Ho Chi Minh City to meet with Enterprise Ireland clients. On 21 March, he will attend an Irish community St. Patrick’s Day event before returning to Dublin.
This visit is part of the Government’s annual St. Patrick’s Day programme, aimed at promoting Ireland’s cultural heritage, strengthening diplomatic and economic relations, and supporting Irish communities worldwide. Minister McConalogue expressed his pride in representing Ireland in Southeast Asia and supporting the growing partnerships between the two countries.
