By Chinedu Onyejelem

Polish immigrants topped the list of 10 nationalities who became Irish citizens at a recent naturalisation ceremony in Dublin’s National Concert Hall.

The 85 Polish nationals were among the 480 new Irish citizens who hail from 68 countries at the event last month.

The United Kingdom came second on the list with 47 citizens, closely followed by Romania with 41 nationals receiving their certificate of naturalisation.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan told the new Irish citizens that the celebration was a “major event in your life”.

“Becoming a citizen of this country, which is now your country, means that you will become part of, and contributors to, our democracy and constitutional principles – principles which as a Minister of this Government I have the honour to uphold,” he said.

The minister urged the new Irish to ensure that they exercise their rights and access their responsibilities as bona fide citizens.

“Becoming a citizen of Ireland means much more than having an Irish passport or being able to vote. These, of course, are very important but at a much deeper level you are affirming your commitment to the values we cherish most and which are rooted in our history.”

He added: “In so doing you are also affirming your support for our sense of mutual responsibility to one another as citizens of this country.”

Retired District Court Judge Paddy McMahon administered the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State on the new citizens.

In total, nationals of 181 different countries have become Irish citizens since 2011, Justice said.