He said Polish people had “learned so much” from Ireland.

“Last year we estimated that there was about 250,000 Polish in Ireland, now the statistics tell us there is around 200,000. There are new people coming in but there seem to be more leaving. But, that is not because there is nothing to do, it is because they have reached their target with money, employment and schooling and are bringing all their experiences back to Poland. But there is nothing wrong, we are all living in Europe and are part of the EU family.”

Ambassador Szumowski was speaking after a civic reception held in his honour at the Buncrana Town Council offices on Monday night last.

Welcoming him to the peninsula, Buncrana Mayor Dermot McLaughlin voiced similar praise for the Polish community.

He said: “The Polish community in Buncrana has a reputation as hard working, industrious and very capable and they have enriched our local community in Buncrana.

“We very much welcomed our priest Fr Rafal Janueszewski, his kindness and sense of humour have brightened up many a Sunday morning.”

He added the Irish and Polish communities must work together to ensure “a prosperous future” for all.

“The Polish nation displays a freedom for nationhood and aspirations and desires we here in Ireland identify with.

“In these most difficult and challenging of times we should all work together for a prosperous future. I hope you and your friends will have an enjoyable time in what is Ireland’s most beautiful county.”

Addressing the assembled Town Councillors, local representatives and delegates, Dr Szumowski said St Patrick’s Day had be become a popular celebration in Poland in recent years.

“Thank you very much for the invitation to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with the Inishowen community.

“St Patrick’s Day is a very Irish day and it is now celebrated right throughout the world. It has become very popular in Poland in recent years. This is due to the number of Polish people who have lived and worked here and who are now going back to their family and friends.

“You Irish know all about emigration and for us in Poland we don’t call it emigration but mobility, it is people moving around. There are 110 weekly flights from Ireland to Poland and each one is overcrowded, sometimes it’s easier to get from Warsaw to Dublin than it is to get anywhere else!

“I have heard there is quite a substantial Polish community in Buncrana, it is very good to hear and it is also good to hear the local opinion about the community. They are recognised as hardworking people and the Polish community see Inishowen as very open minded; they came here and found a very hospitable environment with very friendly people, everyone is just neighbours, I very much like that word ‘neighbourhood.’ And, although we are from different sides of Europe we can easily communicate with just a kind smile, Thanks to Ireland my expatriates can enjoy a better kind of life. They have experience friendship and a strong work ethos.

“I was asked today whether I had seen any discrimination and I said ‘no.’ People are very understanding. In these difficult times it is recognised that we all need to work together and I believe co-operation will help.”

A number of presentations were made to the Ambassador to mark his visit including the traditional bowl of shamrock and a painting of the Crana Bridge. Dr Szumoski and Mayor McLaughlin also signed a commemorative book..