ITTN’s Louise Ducrocq attended an event marking the Flag Day of the Finnish Defence Forces at the Ambassador’s Residence in Dublin. H.E. Ms Leena Gardemeister, Ambassador of Finland & Navy Captain Juha-Mikko Ravanti, Defence Attaché, welcomed officials from a wide variety of nations, as well as partners to Finland and members of the Irish trade.
Marking a day of great national significance for Finland, Flag Day pays tribute to the Finnish Defence Forces and the ideals they protect. The Finnish flag, with its striking blue Nordic cross on a white background, symbolises the country’s thousands of lakes and snowy landscapes — a quiet but powerful representation of national identity and pride.
The elegant residence on Shrewsbury Road was the perfect setting for such a formal yet warm occasion. Guests were welcomed with generosity by Ambassador Gardemeister, whose gracious hospitality set the tone for the evening. The residence’s garden—lush, refined, and enjoyed under favourable early summer skies—added a personal and peaceful touch to the reception.
Attendees included diplomatic representatives from numerous countries, long-standing partners of Finland, and key figures from the Irish trade and defence sectors. The event provided a rare and valuable opportunity to network, strengthening ties across nations and sectors.
A curated selection of Finnish delicacies offered a taste of the culture, with canapés and small bites that balanced elegance and authenticity. Each dish reflected the spirit of Finnish cuisine—refined, seasonal, and quietly bold.
H.E. Ms Leena Gardemeister‘s main focus of the evening was, of course, the strong friendship between Finland and Ireland. The Ambassador stated “I will continue to build on these ties, notably in her upcoming tour of Ireland, aiming at strengthening Finnish-Irish relations”.
The event was a reminder that behind each flag is a story of national identity, service, and shared values. Finland’s Flag Day is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to the people who serve, and the ideals they carry forward. Louise is so grateful for the Ambassador’s hospitality, and is looking forward to the next one!
