Media Release
Dublin, Apr 8: In a resplendent display of faith, culture, and community spirit, Konkans Ireland celebrated Easter Sunday with characteristic fervour and elegance. The event, held on April 5, brought together the Konkani diaspora at the Beaumont Parish Centre and the Church of the Nativity of the Lord, Montrose Park, marking a milestone in the community's vibrant social calendar.
A solemn eucharistic celebration
The festivities commenced with a solemn Easter Mass celebrated by Fr Suresh Babu. The liturgical service was a profound reflection of the Resurrection's joy, featuring the traditional blessing of the Holy Water and the lighting of the Paschal Candle, symbolizing the Light of Christ entering the world.
Assisting at the altar were servers Kevin Castelino and Arvin Lobo. The spiritual atmosphere was further elevated by the soul-stirring harmonies of the choir, led by Manuel D’Mello, Anil and Arathi D’Souza, Anthony D’Souza, Helen Castelino, Oliver D’Sa, Kian Fernandes, and Manoj Crasta.
In a poignant moment during the homily, Fr Suresh offered special prayers for the repose of the souls of the community’s late patrons, Allwin Fernandes and Marian Prabhu, urging the congregation to keep their grieving families in their continued thoughts and prayers.
Razzmatazz and revelry
Following the spiritual nourishment of the Mass, the focus shifted to the Beaumont Parish Centre for a cultural extravaganza. The transition from solemnity to celebration was seamlessly managed by the charismatic emcees for the day, Anthony D’Souza and Dancita Alvares.
The social segment opened with a graceful and heart-warming welcome performance by the 'Alvares Angels' —Adelia and Ahraya—whose poise set a high bar for the afternoon. For the younger contingent, the excitement peaked early with the traditional Easter Egg Hunt, which saw Arnel Lobo emerge as the keenest seeker of the day.
The stage remained a focal point throughout the afternoon, showcasing the diverse talents of the community’s toddlers and youth, whose performances were met with thunderous applause from the gathered families.
‘KonQuizzical 2026’: A battle of wits
The intellectual highlight of the event was undoubtedly 'KonQuizzical 2026', a high-stakes quiz competition that saw the audience divided into eight spirited teams:
• Oneders
• Oisin
• Jasmine
• St Patricks
• Konkan Challengers
• Fantastic Five
• Deepthi Damsels
• Karavali Strikers
Quiz Master Antony D’Souza presided over four rigorous rounds covering an eclectic range of topics, including Football, Irish history, Mangalorean heritage, Music, and the rich traditions of the Konkan region. After a neck-and-neck struggle for supremacy, the Karavali Strikers clinched the title with an impressive score of 39 points.
Gastronomy and gratitude
As the adrenaline of the quiz subsided, attendees enjoyed a classic game of Housie, won by Aaron Quadros, while the lucky draw Raffle saw Celine Nazareth take home the top prize. The community’s new budding photographer, Ashline Lobo, was seen expertly weaving through the crowd, capturing the day's most candid and cherished moments.
A sumptuous luncheon followed, catered by the renowned Golden Fork from Ashbourne, offering a spread that resonated with the flavors of home.
The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Roman Pereira. He expressed profound gratitude to the volunteers whose tireless efforts ensured the event's grandeur. He also looked ahead to the community’s future engagements, announcing a summer picnic in July and the highly anticipated 20th-anniversary celebrations of Konkans Ireland, which will culminate in a landmark Christmas Party later this year.
True to Konkani tradition, the day ended not with a quiet departure, but with the rhythmic energy of Baila. Members of all ages took to the floor, dancing to nostalgic tunes before returning home with hearts full of Easter joy and community pride.