11/09/2026

Minister McEntee Marks 25 Years Since 9/11, Honours Victims And First Responders

Today marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Ireland remembers the 2,977 innocent people who were killed, including at least 18 Irish citizens, and the many family members, friends and loved ones who continue to grieve.

The courage of first responders is also being honoured — those who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to help others. In particular, 441 members of the Fire Department of New York, the New York Police Department and the Port Authority Police Department lost their lives.

Ireland recalls the survivors who have lived with, and in some cases died from, illnesses linked to the attacks, and all those who continue to bear the physical and emotional impacts of that day.
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Centuries-old bonds between Ireland and New York are reflected in the Irish names inscribed on the 9/11 Memorial, the 200 claddagh rings recovered from the rubble of the World Trade Centre, and the many stories of victims and first responders of Irish heritage.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, will lay a wreath and pay her respects at the 9/11 Memorial later this month during a visit to New York for UN High Level Week.

At least 18 Irish citizens died in the attacks, seven of whom were born on the island of Ireland.

Estimates suggest that up to 1,000 victims were of Irish heritage, including many FDNY, NYPD and PANY first responders.

Fr. Mychal Judge, officially designated Victim 0001, was an American-Irish chaplain to the FDNY who died in the North Tower while administering last rites.

Ireland’s Consul General in New York will take part in commemorative events to mark the 25th anniversary, including hosting a reception for 'Friends of Firefighters' in support of the '2026 Ride for Resilience' charity cycle, and attending a memorial mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral on the eve of the anniversary.

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