A chairde. Dear Friends

A chairde, dear friends,

On behalf of the Irish Government, I would like to congratulate the Ireland Network on another remarkable year of connecting and supporting the Irish community in Chicago. In particular, I want to recognise with great appreciation the work of the Executive Committee and Advisory Board in offering such excellent opportunities for economic, cultural, and social engagement.

The Ireland Network is unmatched in the quality and diversity of its programming, including its thought-provoking IN Conversations, its monthly social receptions, and so many other special events. I know that organising these events requires an incredible amount of work behind the scenes and I thank all of those who give their time and energy so generously.

Over the past year, the Consulate hosted a number of high-level visitors in Chicago, including then Tånaiste Micheål Martin and Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason. Both the Tånaiste and the Ambassador had the opportunity to engage with the Ireland Network during their visits and were deeply impressed by the work that the organisation does in connecting Chicago's Irish community.

The Consulate is proud to work in the city that is home to the oldest and most active Ireland Network in the United States. I am delighted that the Irish Government continues to support the Ireland Network's mission, through the Emigrant Support Programme, to provide a welcoming space for Irish, Irish Americans, and friends of Ireland throughout Chicago.

Personally, I want to thank the Ireland Network for the warm welcome I received upon my arrival to Chicago in September. I greatly appreciated your friendship and support as I settled in to the city and I look forward to continuing to work with you all in the years ahead.

I wish the Ireland Network every future success with all that it does for Chicago's Irish community.

Maith sibh agus le gach dea-guí,

Brian Cahalane

Ard-Chonsul na hÉireann,
Consul General of Ireland