Paul Keane: Commander of the Order of the Polar Star

Paul Keane: Commander of the Order of the Polar Star

Paul Keane was honoured at a ceremony in the Embassy of Sweden for his service, as Honorary Consul General, to Sweden and its citizens.

He was decorated with the rank of Commander of the Order of the Polar Star. This Royal Order of the Kingdom of Sweden was initiated in 1748. Only one other Irish person has held this rank of the Order.

The ceremony took place in the presence of his family, colleagues, Reddy Charlton and friends. Former Swedish Ambassadors with whom Paul has served joined the occasion by video to pay tribute to him.

The Swedish Embassy closed in Dublin in 2010, with Ambassadors to Ireland being based in Stockholm, but coming here frequently.  There was thus need for a consul to support the Swedish community. Paul was initially appointed Honorary Consul General for four years but has served for fourteen!

Consulate services were provided in the offices of Reddy Charlton, with the support of the staff of the firm. In addition to providing administrative services to Swedish citizens, the Consulate provided support to the Ambassadors. The Consulate was responsible for the promotion of trade and tourism between Ireland and Sweden.

Paul has taken the lead in organising a number of trade visits to Sweden and, of course, in organising the very successful Sankta Lucia concert which has been a highlight of the year for the Swedish community and their friends.

Happily, the Embassy has now been re-established, with a resident Ambassador and full staff.

Paul continues to serve Sweden’s interests as Chair of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Ireland.

Pictured is the Ambassador of Sweden H.E. Lina van der Weyden presenting the insignia of Commander of the Order of the Polar Star to Paul in the Embassy.