Welcome from the President of Ireland Network Chicago

Dia dhaoibh a charide, hi folks!

It is with great joy and excitement that I welcome you all to the 21st Ireland Network Chicago Ball! Tonight, we gather once again to celebrate the vibrant spirit of our Irish community here in the heart of Chicago. Whether you’ve traveled from near or far, your presence makes this evening truly special as we come together to honor our shared heritage, forge new connections, and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

As the twelfth president, I am honored to host my first ball in this role, continuing the proud tradition of the Ireland Network Chicago as the leading Ireland Network in the United States. Chicago, with its rich cultural and social significance, serves as a vital hub, underscoring the network’s mission to connect and unite the Irish community. 

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Committee for their tireless dedication and hard work in organizing this remarkable event. Your commitment to making each year better than the last is truly commendable. Special thanks to the entire team at the Drake Hotel for providing us with such an exceptional venue and service. Your efforts to enhance the experience year after year do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated. 

We could not host this event without the incredible support of our sponsors. We sincerely thank our presenting and partner sponsors, CoreFX and Sterling Engineering, whose generosity and support have made this event possible. Additionally, we thank Mike Clune & the Irish American Partnership, EOS IT Solutions, Gensler, Kerry, Kelso Burnett, Ornua Foods, Syska Hennessy Group, and Vaughan Hospitality, a strong cast of supporting sponsors, for their invaluable contributions.

This past year has been another record-breaking one for the Ireland Network Chicago, filled with remarkable achievements and memorable events. It truly stands as a landmark year for our organization. Among the significant milestones, we welcomed new leadership, including our new Treasurer, Laura Clancy, and our new Secretary, Julianne Cox, whose expertise and dedication have helped us move from strength to strength. As we look ahead, we are committed to further strengthening our committee, ensuring we continue to grow the network and maintain the dynamic programming that our members value and enjoy. I am personally excited about the opportunities ahead and the continued success of our vibrant community. 

I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Irish Government, whose support through their Emigrant Support Programme has been instrumental in enabling much of the work we do at the Ireland Network Chicago. Their generous grant has allowed us to thrive and continue making a significant impact in our community. I extend special and sincere thanks to Consul General of Ireland, Brian Cahalane, Vice Consul Padraig Manning, and the entire consular team for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your presence here tonight and your continuous encouragement mean the world to us and strengthen the bonds between us. 

As always, we will be hosting a raffle this evening, with all proceeds supporting the incredible efforts of our charity partners, Irish Community Services and Concern Worldwide. Thanks to our generous donors, we have an array of amazing prizes up for grabs!!

Tonight, we have the distinct honor of presenting the annual IN Spirit Award to an extraordinary individual whose contributions have left a lasting impact on our community. This year’s recipient, Dolores Connolly, has shown unwavering dedication and support for the Irish community in Chicago and beyond. Dolores has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives, bringing people together, fostering cultural connections, and embodying the spirit of generosity and community that our network holds dear. Her tireless efforts and inspiring leadership make her truly deserving of this recognition, and we are thrilled to celebrate her achievements tonight. 

For now, enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and take full advantage of the great night we have in store. Let’s make it a night to remember – have a fantastic time, and don’t forget to hit the dance floor! 

Sláinte,
Craig O’Halloran
President, Ireland Network Chicago