ISWÜ Congratulates DIG on its 40th Anniversary

For 40 years, the Deutsch-Irische Gesellschaft has been dedicated to promoting Irish culture in Würzburg. This remarkable anniversary was celebrated on 11 July 2026, with Prof. Dr. Ina Bergmann and Prof. Dr. Maria Eisenmann representing Irish Studies Würzburg.

Prof. Dr. Maria Eisenmann and Prof. Dr. Ina Bergmann of Irish Studies Würzburg (ISWÜ) at the DIG’s anniversary celebration. (Photo: Ina Bergmann)

The event was attended by Bishop Dr. Franz Jung and Lord Mayor Martin Heilig as representatives of the City of Würzburg. Ireland was represented by Ambassador Maeve Collins, Consul General James O'Shea, and George Jones of the Irish-German Society Wicklow.

George Jones (Irish-German Society Wicklow), Consul General James O'Shea (Munich), Ambassador Maeve Collins (Berlin), Bishop Dr. Franz Jung, Caroline Winstanley (Wicklow), Pat Doyle, Malachai Duddy (Bray), Vicar General Dr. Jürgen Vorndran, Traute Gottschalk and Matthias Fleckenstein. (Photo: Michaela Fleckenstein)

As commemorative gifts, Playmobil models of the three Irish "Apostles of Franconia"—Kilian, Kolonat, and Totnan—were presented. These figures honour the beginnings of the centuries-old connection between Ireland and Würzburg, a relationship that the Deutsch-Irische Gesellschaft has nurtured with great commitment over many years.

 The guests of honor received Playmobil models of the three Irish "Apostles of Franconia"—Kilian, Kolonat, and Totnan—as gifts. (Photo: Ina Bergmann)

Deutsch-irische Gesellschaft Würzburg and Irish Studies Würzburg have been collaborating since the latter's founding in 2020. One example of this vibrant collaboration is the annual John Millington Synge Lecture, jointly organised by DIG and ISWÜ since 2022.

We warmly congratulate the Deutsch–Irische Gesellschaft on its 40th anniversary and wish it continued success in promoting Irish culture and strengthening the friendship between Germany and Ireland.