Top 10 connections between Pacific Islanders and Ireland

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, everyone!

What is St Patrick’s Day? It’s celebrated every year on 17 March to honour Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick.

Originally established as a religious feast commemorating his death in the fifth century, it has transformed into a global celebration of Irish culture, featuring parades, music, dancing, and lots of green!

At first glance, one might not think of strong connections between the Pacific Islands and Ireland, but bonds have formed through rugby, religion, politics, and cultural exchanges.

From sports fields to the music stages, Pacific Islanders have made significant contributions in Ireland, while Irish culture has also influenced the Pacific, particularly Aotearoa New Zealand.

To celebrate today, I have compiled a list of 10 remarkable Pacific people who have ties to Ireland.

Bundee Aki (rugby player)

First up is Bundee Aki. Born and raised in Manurewa, South Auckland, Fua Leiofi Bundellu Aki has Sāmoan heritage and is a well-known figure in Irish rugby.

The former Waikato Chiefs star joined Connacht Rugby in 2014 and quickly won the hearts of fans with his powerful playing style.

He qualified to play for Ireland through residency and has helped lead the Irish team to multiple victories, including Grand Slams and the Six Nations Championship.

Joseph Parker (boxer)

Next is Joseph (Joe) Parker, a professional boxer with Sāmoan roots. He is New Zealand’s former world heavyweight champion and held the WBO title from 2016 to 2018.

Parker trained in Ireland and moved to Dublin in April 2021 to work with his coach, Andy Lee.

He returned in December 2024 to fight Daniel Dubois. However, Dubois withdrew due to illness, and Parker faced Martin Bakole instead. Parker secured a second-round knockout victory and showcased his talent.

Tania Sharkey (judge)

Tania Sharkey, who is of Tongan and Irish heritage, made history as the judge of the Manukau District Court in 2023.

She has dedicated her career to family law and has served in various positions advocating for Pacific people, including leading a significant inquiry into historical abuse in state care.

A member of the Parole Board since 2020, Sharkey also served as president of the Pacific Lawyers Association (2018-2021).

Sene Naoupu (rugby player)

A Sāmoan-Kiwi, Sene Naoupu moved to Ireland in 2009 to support her husband’s rugby career.

She embraced her new home, learned the Irish language, and played a significant role in Irish women’s rugby. Her contributions helped Ireland during the 2015 Women’s Six Nations Championship, and she was named one of the most influential women in Ireland.

Retired in 2022, she was recently appointed the CEO of North Otago Rugby Football Union.

Iam Tongi (music artist)

Iam Tongi, a rising star from O’ahu, Hawaii, is also of Tongan, Sāmoan, and Irish descent.

He made history in 2023 as the first Pacific islander to win American Idol.

His mother, Lilie Tuifua, is Irish, bringing an exciting blend of cultures to the 20-year-old’s music.

Malakai Fekitoa (rugby player)

Malakai Fekitoa, born in Tonga, is another rugby talent.

After moving to New Zealand, he played for the All Blacks from 2014 to 2017 and joined Munster Rugby in Ireland in 2022.

His unique playing style brought flair to the game and contributed to Munster's United Rugby Championship victory in 2022-2023.

Sharnar Salafai McGlinchey (artist)

Sharnar, a singer-songwriter of Sāmoan and Irish descent, hails from New Zealand.

She grew up surrounded by various music, which inspired her unique sound.

Her single ‘Breathe On Your Own’ was released in 2018 and showcases her talent and creativity.

Sevu Reece (rugby player)

Sevu Reece, from Fiji, is known in the rugby world.

Although a contract with Connacht Rugby in Ireland in 2018 didn’t work out due to an incident, he later joined the Crusaders in New Zealand and became a key player for the All Blacks.

His brief connection to Irish rugby remains a part of his journey.

Sean Mallon (curator)

Coming in at number nine is Sean Mallon, a distinguished curator and author of Sāmoan and Irish descent.

He serves as the Senior Curator of Pacific Cultures at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. As a curator, he has worked to promote and celebrate the connections between Ireland and the Pacific Islands.

In 2012, he co-authored ‘Tangata o le Moana: The story of New Zealand and the people of the Pacific’ and ‘Art in Oceania: A new history’, which was awarded the Authors' Club's Art Book Prize.

His book with Sébastien Galliot, ‘Tatau: A History of Sāmoan Tattooing’, also won the award for best Illustrated Non-Fiction in the 2019 Ockham book awards.

Cullen Haym (dentist)

Lastly, Cullen Haym, of Cook Islands Māori and Irish descent, is a dentist based at Waikato Hospital.

According to his post on social media on the Pacific Medical Association Group, Haym hopes to become a dental public health specialist.

Cullen Haym of Cook Island Māori and Irish descent. Photo/PMA Group.

These individuals exemplify the rich interactions between the Pacific Islands and Ireland, showcasing how culture, sports, and shared values can bring people together worldwide.

Happy St Patrick’s Day once again!