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17th September 2024
09:59am BST
Irish rugby star Bundee Aki says becoming an Irish citizen is a 'huge privilege and an honour'.
The New Zealand native was among 3,600 people taking part in Irish citizenship ceremonies in Dublin's Convention Centre this week.
The 34-year-old has lived in Ireland for ten years and is now officially choosing Ireland as his home, after representing Connacht since 2014.
Aki and his other prospective citizens undertook an oath to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
After representing Ireland 57 times since 2017, Aki described becoming an Irish citizen as a privilege.
“It's been 10 years since I've been here so I thoroughly enjoy the Irish people and Irish culture," he said, speaking at the ceremony this week.
"To be able to get my citizenship today is an unbelievable privilege, so I'm delighted.
"I’ve embraced the people and the people have embraced me and my family as well.
"I have nothing to complain about here. I love the people, love the culture. There’s not a bad word I could speak about Ireland."
Aki is among 13,000 people who have become Irish citizens so far this in 2024.
The Citizenship Division has significantly increased the application process, which has seen an increase of new Irish citizens over the past two years.
Over 20,000 applications were processed in 2023.
Speaking at the ceremony this week, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee told Ireland's newest citizens "You will always have a home here".
"Ireland is a place where you are accepted, where you are valued and cherished, where you will be safe and loved."
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