Message from Colm Ó Floinn, Irish Ambassador to Italy

As the newly-arrived Ambassador of Ireland to Italy, I am delighted to offer my warmest wishes for Christmas and the New Year to Easy Milano readers, including Irish citizens in Italy, those who assist them, and the communities that have welcomed them.

I am grateful to have the opportunity in this final edition of Easy Milano to express thanks to Amie Louie and Aaron Pugliesi, on behalf of the Embassy of Ireland, for their work in the service of expatriates in Milan over the past 18 years.

Christmas is a special time of the year, when many of us come together with family and friends in a spirit of sharing and celebration. For those living away from home, however, it is not always possible to spend the festive season with our loved ones far away. Over the course of a long career in the diplomatic service I have learned that, for expats, this time of year not only allows us to embrace new traditions and past-times, it also brings into focus the importance of those friendships and networks we enjoy in our adoptive homes.

Through its 377 issues, Easy Milano has worked to facilitate such friendships and to foster the growth of a strong community of expats in Milan and the surrounding areas. It has been a mine of practical help for those new to the city, and for those more established- a reliable guide to upcoming activities and opportunities. Long before the days of Twitter, it offered Embassies and Consulates a platform to share important information with our citizens. It will be sadly missed.

I know that the full Embassy team will join me in thanking the staff of Easy Milano for their friendly and professional collaboration over the years and in wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.

I wish you all a joyful Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Nollaig agus athbhliain faoi shéan is faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.

Colm Ó Floinn
Ambassador of Ireland to Italy