Galway native Billy Lawless, Sr., who has lived in Chicago since 1998, has been appointed to the Irish Seanad (the Irish senate) by Taoiseach Enda Kenny. His nomination marks the first time an émigré has been named a senator. Since his arrival in the United States, Lawless, a restaurateur whose establishments include cocktail bar Acanto and gastropub The Gage, has become a … [Read more...] about Chicago in the Seanad
Politics
Biden Family Visits Ireland
Vice President Joe Biden traveled to Ireland in June for a six-day trip through counties Dublin, Meath, Louth, and Mayo. Arriving with his brother, sister, daughter, and five grandchildren, Biden was formally welcomed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the Government Buildings in Dublin. Though Biden had previously visited Ireland privately, Kenny told RTÉ News that this was his first … [Read more...] about Biden Family Visits Ireland
Connecticut Governor Awarded JFK Profile in Courage Award
Dannel P. Malloy, Governor of Connecticut, has been awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his advocacy on behalf of Syrian refugees, even welcoming one family into his own home. The prestigious award is named after President Kennedy’s book, Profiles in Courage, and is given annually to public officials who exhibit considerable courage and take a political … [Read more...] about Connecticut Governor Awarded JFK Profile in Courage Award
Mary Robinson Centre to Host International Sustainability Symposium
The Mary Robinson Centre in Ballina, Co. Mayo is hosting an international symposium in July in partnership with the National University of Ireland Galway’s Centre for Global Women’s Studies. The two-day symposium will cover issues of peace, development, equality, and human rights. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, who currently serves as the U.N. Secretary-General’s … [Read more...] about Mary Robinson Centre to Host International Sustainability Symposium
The Ambassador
Anne Anderson, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, reflects on her career, her role in the United States, and Ireland’s centenary. ℘℘℘ It’s hard to be an Irish American living in Washington, D.C. and not run into Anne Anderson, Ireland’s first woman Ambassador. When I point this out as we sit down in the conference room of the Irish Embassy, she laughs. “I am … [Read more...] about The Ambassador