Seven pioneering Indian-origin nurses who arrived in Ireland in 2000 have celebrated 25 years since their journey from Kerala, marking a milestone in the history of Indian migration to the country.
Eliamma Joseph, Annie Sebastian, Bexie Mathew, Bindu Philip, Jennymol Josie, Pinku Joseph and Wimalamma Joseph set foot in Ireland on August 31, 2000, in search of better working and living conditions. They arrived long before the wave of nurse migration from Kerala became widespread, and became guides for subsequent generations.
The group was recruited to the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin from the Holy Spirit Hospital in Mumbai during a period when Ireland faced a shortage of 5,000 nurses. Two matrons personally received them at Dublin Airport and showed them to their accommodation in Monkstown, introducing them to household appliances and even purchasing Indian spices, milk and fruit to help them settle in.
The matron returned the following morning to teach them how to use landline phones with Swift calling cards and explained the railway ticketing system. At the time, Ireland still used the Irish pound, with the euro not introduced until 2002.
Father Murphy, the local vicar, provided crucial support in their early days, introducing them to the parish community and connecting them with an Andhra Pradesh doctor couple who showed them Asian shops and bus routes in Dublin city centre. Through Father Murphy, they also befriended a local judge’s family who helped them with shopping.
The nurses later connected with nuns from the Bombay Holy Spirit Hospital studying in Maynooth and met other Indian priests, including Father Francisco who celebrated the first Malayalam Mass at their home. They gradually met other nurses who had come to work at Tallaght Hospital.
Despite working in different hospitals and one member now living outside Ireland, the group has maintained their friendship over 25 years. They gathered recently to cut a cake and celebrate their remarkable journey, expressing gratitude to the Irish people and healthcare sector for welcoming them with open arms.
