Mullingar woman in Singapore told Troy of life in Asia

Longford Westmeath TD and Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy, was pleased to meet a Westmeath native while on a trip to Southeast Asia.

Marie Gray Brooke, who has called Singapore home for a number of years, met Minister Troy during an event organised by the Irish embassy in Singapore.

A native of Strattonstown, Ballinea, Marie set up a Comhaltas branch in Singapore with her husband.

She took members to the Mullingar Fleadh in 2022 and 2023, and will return to this year’s Fleadh in Belfast.

Minister Troy said, “It is always an honour to meet with our diaspora around the world, but that little bit more special when it is people from Westmeath.

"Marie is not just flying the flag of Westmeath in Singapore, but for Ireland in general thanks to her work with Comhaltas.

“It is fantastic to see the promotion of Irish culture abroad, and the dedication of people like Marie and others.

"I sincerely hope they have an excellent time at the national Fleadh in Belfast this year and look forward to welcoming the Comhaltas branch of Singapore to Mullingar in future.”

Minister Troy held engagements across business, politics, and community groups during a five-day visit to Bangkok and Singapore in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, the IDA, and Bord Bia.