Community, Culture & Charity: Budapest St Patrick’s Day Gala Raises Millions for Hungary’s Most Vulnerable

Almost 250 guests attended, raising over 4.7 million HUF (approx. €12,000) for two vital Hungarian charities – TAMI - Tarnabod és mi and NANE Egyesület Association. The auction of Troy Parrott’s historic hat-trick match day shirt from the Puskás Arena last November, generously signed by Troy and donated by the Football Association of Ireland (FAIreland), alone raised almost 2 million HUF (€5,000).

As Ambassador Almqvist remarked:
‘‘St Patrick exemplified many Christian virtues – compassion, humility, fortitude, and forgiveness. Charity – love for others – was at his core. As it is, I think, at the heart of Irish identity today. Through its partnership with NANE and Tami, through your generosity as guests, and partners like the FAI, I’m proud that IHBC has tonight raised millions of Forint to shelter the victims of violence against women. And to provide new hope to orphans in one of Hungary’s poorest communities.’’

Alongside auctions, the evening’s programme comprised live Irish music and dance by Barbara’s Irish Dance Academy and Curlew, and a set by the brilliant Budapest Showtime. Alongside the best of Irish whiskey, Guinness, and food, the evening was more than just a celebration of St Patrick – it was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when a small community comes together for a shared cause.

The Embassy extends its deepest gratitude to the IHBC – and its small, deeply dedicated volunteer committee – for organising both the gala and last weekend’s outstanding St Patrick’s Festival. We are also deeply grateful to the many brilliant Irish and local business partners and donors who supported the events so generously – exemplifying the virtues of St Patrick.