Galway harbour master Capt Brian Sheridan has been appointed honorary consul for the Republic of Estonia in the west of Ireland.
“My mission will be to strengthen the bonds between our nations, promoting not only economic and cultural ties but also the exchange of ideas, innovation and goodwill,”he said, emphasising the “shared maritime heritage”.
Capt Sheridan will serve as honorary consul for Estonia for four western counties – Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo.
The appointment was made at a special ceremony earlier this week, attended by Mayor of Galway Peter Keane, and senior Estonian officials including Mariin Ratnik, Estonian Undersecretary for Economic and Development Affairs and Estonian Ambassador to Ireland Kairi Künka.
Also part of the Estonian delegation were Marit Maks, Adviser to the Undersecretary for Economic and Development Affairs; Helena Bonde, Consul, Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Dublin; and Julie Long, Honorary Consul of Estonia in Limerick.
The event was preceded by a lunchtime concert by Estonian interdisciplinary composer Sander Saarmets at St. Nicholas's Collegiate Church.
Galway town crier Liam Silke then marked the start of the formal conferring with a ring of his bells in the Seven bar.
“To be appointed as the Honorary Consul of the Republic Estonia is not only a personal privilege but also a significant moment that symbolises the enduring friendship between two nations that share a profound connection to the sea—Estonia and Ireland,”Capt Sheridan said.
Capt Brian Sheridan, honorary consul for Estonia, with Mariin Ratnik, Estonian Undersecretary for Economic and Development Affairs and an exchange of flags at the Galway ceremony
“I am deeply aware that this honour is not mine alone. I am surrounded by the support of my family and that of the Port of Galway, a vital institution that represents the heart of our maritime community,”he said.
“Both of our countries, though separated by geography, are united by the vast expanses of the Baltic and Atlantic waters,”he said.
“For centuries, our peoples have looked to the sea not as a barrier but as a bridge—connecting us to trade, exploration and the shared experience of maritime culture,”he said.
“ The seafaring spirit runs deep in our blood and it is this spirit that has guided our nations through history, shaping our identities and our destinies,”he said.
“Ireland, with its rugged coastlines, (particularly along the western seaboard) knows well the importance of the sea in forging connections beyond our shores. The Irish have long ventured out, navigating the world’s oceans, establishing ties and building bridges of friendship,”Capt Sheridan continued.
“Estonia, too, with its proud history of sailors and shipbuilders, has embraced the sea as a vital link to the wider world. Our shared experiences of navigating these waters have fostered a mutual respect and understanding between our nations—an understanding rooted in the recognition that the sea, though often tempestuous, holds the promise of new horizons and opportunities,”he said.
“As I take on this role, I am reminded of the many parallels between Estonia and Ireland. Both of our nations have known the struggle for independence, the value of our unique cultures and the importance of preserving our language and traditions,”he said.
“ We are small nations, but our contributions to the world stage—through our people, our culture and our spirit—are vast and impactful. This shared history of resilience and pride is something we must continue to nurture as we look to the future,”he said.
“I am committed to ensuring that the relationship between Estonia and Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo flourishes, benefiting both our peoples and contributing to the broader European community to which we both belong,”he said.
“In my role, I will also endeavour to highlight the significance of our maritime heritage, fostering greater cooperation in areas such as trade, education, tourism and environmental stewardship of our oceans,”he said.
“I believe that by working together, we can harness the power of the ocean, be that of wind or wave and our shared maritime traditions to create a brighter, more prosperous future for both Estonia and Ireland,”he said.
“To my fellow Irishmen and women, to our Estonian friends here today, to the business community, to my family and friends, I ask for your support as we embark on this journey together,”he said.
“Let us celebrate the bonds that unite us, the sea that connects us,”he said, declaring “ Elagu Eesti!” and “Go raibh maith agaibh!” in the two national languages.
