Executive Director

Dear Friends, 

Welcome to the 21st Annual Ireland Network Ball! Throughout the event preparation, I am constantly reminded of something so fundamental to the success the Ball — and really to the success of the Ireland Network itself: community. It takes a community to bring the vision of the Ireland Network Chicago to life, and this evening would not be possible without the tireless dedication and exceptional talents of our Executive Committee. These talented individuals are the best and brightest of the Chicago Irish community, and it is my honor to work alongside them. A special shout-out to Jackie Theodore and Connor Kelly, our phenomenal Ball Co-Chairs, whose dedication has made tonight not only possible but also a fabulous night for all of us! 

This evening marks a very special occasion as we honor a remarkable woman who embodies the true spirit of the Ireland Network community: Dolores Connolly, our 2025 IN Spirit Honoree. Dolores is an extraordinary leader—CEO of Sterling Engineering, a long-time champion of Concern Worldwide, and an early supporter of Ireland Network Chicago, just to name a few of her many accomplishments. Over the last few months, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know her better, and it has become clear to me that Dolores not only supports her community—she is supported by it in return. Tonight, her friends, family, and colleagues are here to celebrate her, and I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to the power of a supportive network! Dolores is a beacon of leadership and a role model for us all, she embodies everything the Ireland Network Chicago stands for: commitment to community, relentless support for others, and passion for our shared culture. Thank you Dolores for graciously accepting the IN Spirit Award Honor!

Our community has shared profound losses this past year. Senator Billy Lawless and Johnny McEneany were pillars of our community—men whose dedication to supporting immigrants and giving back to their fellow Irish in Chicago will continue to inspire us all. I’ll never forget Billy’s moving IN Spirit Award speech at the 2023 Ball, or how Johnny and Imelda gracefully (and artfully) opened the IN Ball dance floor over the years. Billy and Johnny leave us with a legacy of service and a call to support to one another. Their unwavering commitment to our community is how we will proudly remember each of them. Our hearts are with their families and the many lives each touched, and we honor their memory in our gathering tonight. 

I also want to take a moment to thank our IN Leadership Team: President Craig O’Halloran, Secretary Julianne Cox, and Treasurer Laura Clancy. Working alongside such inspiring individuals makes my job a joy, and I am endlessly grateful for your support. Thank you as well to our Advisory Board, whose guidance and wisdom have been invaluable to the continued success of our organization. 

Lastly, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to a new member to our community Consul General Brian Cahalane, who has been a wonderful friend to both the Network and the Irish community here in Chicago since his arrival in the Windy City. Thank you for your continued support and for strengthening the ties between Ireland and the Midwest. Your and the entire Consulate Office’s dedication to Ireland Network Chicago, has truly made it the Crossroads of Irish America!

It is my great honor to continue the work of so many who have come before me, supporting and welcoming the Irish community here in Chicago on behalf of Ireland Network Chicago. 

I hope you all have a wonderful evening celebrating the strength, spirit, and success of our community. After all, it takes a community to reach such incredible heights—so let’s make tonight a celebration of all we’ve accomplished and all that lies ahead.

Now, let’s have a Ball!

Margaret Rose Keating
Executive Director
Ireland Network Chicago