Irish Day at the MUG

21.03.2024

Every year, on March 17th, the world turns a shade greener as millions join in the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. This iconic Irish holiday, which commemorates the patron saint of Ireland, brings together people from all walks of life. From the vibrant parades to the traditional music and dance, St. Patrick’s Day offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Ireland. To continue with our University’s tradition, the Irish Day took place on March 15th 2024 at the MUG. The event has been organised by the Department of Foreign Languages of the MUG with support of Ewa Kiszka, Head of the Internationalization Office, and of the representatives of Department of International Relations: unit’s Head Dawid Spychała, Ph.D. and Karolina Derda and Adrian Bakun. Marzena Kołtoniak from the Welcome Point – Foreign Students and Employees Support Centre as well as MUG’s students also took part in the organisation of event.

In the event took part: Prof. Edyta Szurowska, Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs; Dr. Habil. Tomasz Smiatacz, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs; Anna Kuciejczyk, Ph.D., Head of the Bożena Jakimczyk from the Department of Foreign Languages; the unit’s Head Anna Kuciejczyk, Ph.D.; Edyta Leyk, Ph.D. from the Department of Analytical Chemistry; Dr. Habil. Agnieszka Ćwiklińska from the Division of Clinical Chemistry; Jacek Kaczmarek, Ph.D., International Alumni Relations Officer; Małgorzata Omilian-Mucharska, Head of the MUG Publishing Office, as well as MUG’s students and members of SASS.

St. Patrick’s Day is a day to honour the legacy of St. Patrick, the missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland. Across the globe, cities and towns come alive with parades, showcasing elaborate floats, lively music, and spirited dancers. These parades serve as a reminder of the Irish spirit and resilience that transcends borders. Participants of the MUG’s event celebrated it by making scones paired with a dollop of clotted cream and jam. They also talked about Irish history and famous figures who have left an indelible mark on the world stage, from actors such as Cillian Murphy or Saoirse Ronan to sportsmen like Conor McGregor.

Irish music and dance are woven into the fabric of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, therefore as part of the Irish Day festivities, the attendants were treated to a special performance by Urszula Leszczyńska, 2nd year medical student, who serenaded them with a rendition of Zombie.

– This iconic Irish song, originally sung by the Cranberries, captivated listeners with its haunting melody and powerful lyrics, serving as a poignant commentary on the turmoil of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Its memorable chorus has solidified it as a timeless anthem against violence and conflict – said Magda Warzocha from the Department of Foreign Languages of the MUG. – It was a fitting tribute to the musical heritage of Ireland and a reminder of the power of music to unite and uplift.

photos by Paweł Sudara/MUG