Published: October 27, 2026 at 4:26 pm
Inter Diaspora Premier League (IDPL), Ireland, hosted an India–Ireland goodwill meeting at South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, celebrating community integration, charitable service, and the enduring friendship between India and Ireland.
The event was hosted by Mayor of South Dublin, Francis Timmons, with the Ambassador of India to Ireland, Manish Gupta, attending as chief guest.
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The initiative followed a cricket match held on August 15, India’s Independence Day. Members of the Indian diaspora in Ireland raised funds through spectator contributions and community participation to support people experiencing homelessness in South Dublin. The funds were formally presented on to Clondalkin Helping Homeless and Those in Need, a voluntary group nominated by the Mayor, on October 19, 2026.
During the meeting, Manish Gupta handed the IDPL “Goodness Over Greatness” torch to Mayor Francis Timmons. The torch represents IDPL’s commitment to placing kindness, compassion, and service alongside sporting achievement.
After his felicitation former international cricketer and social activist M V Narasimha Rao, affectionately called Bobby Rao in Ireland, addressed the gathering with an encouraging speech, inspiring participants and volunteers to continue using sport as a platform for positive social change.
The initiative was led by Maruthi Nambi, founder of IDPL, which uses cricket to promote community service, social integration, and engagement between diaspora communities and wider Irish society.
The event was also attended by representatives of the ten IDPL teams and the volunteers who helped make the fundraiser a success. Awards were presented to community helpers in recognition of their contributions and in the true Spirit of IDPL.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Timmons highlighted the Indian community’s contribution to South Dublin, observing that “integration is not just about living side by side, but about working side by side.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Indian Ambassador emphasised that humanitarian initiative of this nature play an important role in strengthening and enhancing bilateral relations between India and Ireland.
