Saturday 2 . 21 . 15 The Drake Chicago

Ireland Network Chicago Ball
Saturday
2.21.15
The Drake
Chicago
The Concord Group is proud to
support the
Ireland Network
Chicago Ball
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Welcome to Ireland Network Chicago’s 2015 Ball
Ireland Network Chicago welcomes you to the
2015 Annual Ball! Thank you for your continued support
throughout the year and for helping the Ireland Network
successfully plan events that are relevant and of interest to
you, our Members! It is only through your participation,
support and attendance at such events as this evening,
that the IN-Chicago Committee can achieve the business
development which we believe benefits you.
This level of commitment by the membership is key to
IN-Chicago’s ability to fulfill its mission of supporting our
Membership’s business development efforts and providing
a bridge for newly arrived Irish to the business and Irish
communities in Chicago. IN-Chicago does this by hosting a
full calendar of diverse and engaging events, both business
and social, of which this annual gathering is the core.
Since the 11th Annual Ball last year here at the
Drake, IN-Chicago has hosted or partnered in 40
gatherings. The IN-Conversation series has successfully
addressed topics of interest to the Membership, including the
recent event on “Immigration: Impact of Recent Changes,”
introduced by Consul General Aidan Cronin, with panelists
and moderator providing valuable information and insights
into the developing situation in the country. The First Friday
monthly program continues to provide a natural forum for
connections across the Membership and beyond. Our annual
program includes several exciting events, including our IN
Picnic at Montrose Harbor in June, the Rooftop Movie
Screening in August, the Members’ Business Expo in
October, the “Networking with Neighbors” event, in
addition to the ever-popular Fall Table Quiz in November.
We look forward to hosting many of you at these events
over the coming months.
We are also delighted to report that IN-USA, our network
partnership across the country, continues to grow, with 20
chapters throughout the USA, in what is now a truly national
framework of Irish Networks. We welcome several of our
IN-USA partners here this evening. Thank you for
coming to Chicago and attending this event!
Throughout the years, this annual event in February
has provided us with the opportunity to give back as a
Membership by raising funds for our charities of choice.
This year we are delighted to support both global and local
causes that are close to our hearts—Concern Worldwide,
an organization that delivers help where it is most needed
around the globe, and Chicago Irish Immigrant Support,
which provides essential services to local Irish immigrants
in need.
We’re delighted to have three
wonderful prizes donated for our 2015 raffle.
One hundred percent of the proceeds will go
directly to Concern Worldwide and
Chicago Irish Immigrant Support.
Three lucky winners will be announced
after dinner this evening.
On behalf of Concern Worldwide and CIIS,
many thanks for your support—and good luck!
I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our
Sponsor Partners, without whose generous support
over the past years, we could not host events of this
nature. Please take a moment to review the diverse roster of
sponsors in this brochure and please support them with your
business whenever the opportunity arises. We also extend
special thanks to the Consul General of Ireland, Aidan Cronin,
and his staff for their continued strong support and advocacy
for our mission. Finally, many thanks to our hardworking
IN Committee members and other key volunteers who
spend countless hours all year long building the success and
vibrancy of the IN-Chicago.
We look forward to many more years of IN-Chicago events.
Enjoy the evening. We look forward to seeing you at another
IN-Chicago event very soon. Go raibh mile maith agaibh!
Imelda Gallagher
President, Ireland Network Chicago
Freeborn & Peters LLP
is proud to support
the 2015 Annual
Ireland Network
Chicago Ball
What can we do for you?
PRACTICE AREAS
Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring
Corporate
Government and Regulatory Law
Litigation
Real Estate
INDUSTRIES
Construction Services
Credit Unions
Food
Insurance and Reinsurance
Private Equity and Venture Capital
Transportation
James Boland
(312) 360-6548
jboland@freeborn.com
Jennifer Fitzgerald
(312) 360-6585
jfitzgerald@freeborn.com
Visit us at www.freeborn.com
311 South Wacker Drive | Suite 3000
Chicago, IL 60606 | (312) 360-6000
O rder of the E vening
7:45 pm Welcome Address­—Imelda Gallagher, President of Ireland Network Chicago
8:00 pm
Dinner served—see menu below
9:15 pmKeynote Speaker—Mickey Harte, Tyrone’s GAA Football Manager
9:35 pm 2015 Raffle Drawings—three fabulous prizes!
(All proceeds benefit Concern Worldwide and Chicago Irish Immigrant Support)
9:45 pm
Dancing to the Z Orchestra
12:30 am A
djourn to the “unofficial after-party” downstairs at The Drake’s Coq d’Or
Lounge. Enjoy live piano until 1:00 am, with a cash bar until 1:45 am.
M enu of the E vening
TO BEGINButternut Squash Bisque and Curried Apple Chutney
SALADRoasted Asparagus, Sea Salt, Arugula, Manchego Toasted Almonds, Basil Oil
ENTRÉE Slow Roasted Short Rib with Truffled Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini
Florets, Roasted Teardrop Tomatoes, Port Wine Reduction
Or vegetarian option:
Porcini Mushroom Ravioli with Marsala Veloute and Black Truffles
DESSERT
Milk and White Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream and Pomegranate Pearls
Freshly brewed regular and decaffeinated coffee • Assorted hot teas
Irish Coffee Station
Freshly brewed coffee, brown sugar, & whipped cream
Spirits graciously donated by 2Gingers and Kerrygold—many thanks!
Immigration
Services
Immigration and
naturalization services
Pastoral Care and
Counseling
Full time Irish Chaplain
offering 24 hour pastoral
and counseling services
Social Services
Full time Irish social worker
providing social services
Seniors Services
Seniors outreach program
serving over 80 seniors
weekly, including guest
speakers and live events.
Students Program
Innovative student exchange
program pioneered with
Dept. of Foreign Affairs,
Trinity, NUIG and UCC
J-1 student assistance
Ad design by Meghan Lee Design [meghan@meghan-lee.com]
Chicago Irish
Immigrant
Support
773 282 8445
irishoverhere@sbcglobal.net
4626 N. Knox Avenue, #308B
Chicago, IL 60630
www.ci-is.com
The 2015 Ireland Network Chicago Ball
H H RAFFLE H H
All proceeds benefit CONCERN Worldwide and
Chicago Irish Immigrant Support.
Three lucky winners will receive one of these wonderful prizes:
H GRAND PRIZE H
Round trip flight for two to Ireland
Two nights at The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, including breakfast
Two nights at The Marker Hotel in Dublin, including breakfast
One night at Carton House in Maynooth, including breakfast
A round of golf at Carton House
H SECOND PRIZE H
One night in the Princess Diana Suite at The Drake Hotel in Chicago
H THIRD PRIZE H
Dinner for four at Farmhouse Chicago or Farmhouse Evanston
Tickets are $50 each, or three for $100. Only 350 tickets to be sold.
Winners announced tonight at The Drake.
(Need not be present to win.)
So hurry—to enter the raffle, see our volunteer ticket sellers right away!
H
Get in on your last chance to win! Good luck! H
Concern Worldwide U.S.
congratulates
The Ireland Network on its
12th Annual Ball!
Friday, February 27, 2015
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
11:00 a.m. Reception
12:00 p.m. Luncheon & Awards Program
www.concernusa.org
HONORING
Mimi Frankel, Board Member, Frankel Family Foundation
2015 Women of Concern Humanitarian Award
Annabelle Santos Volgman, M.D., FACC, FAHA
Professor of Medicine, Rush College of Medicine
2015 Women of Concern Leadership Award
Thank you for your partnership and
support of Concern’s programs.
Concern Worldwide U.S.
332 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 630
Chicago, IL 60604
312.431.8400
Our 2015 Keynote Speaker
IN-CHICAGO IS HONORED TO PRESENT
Mickey Harte
Three-time All-Ireland winning Gaelic football manager
Mickey Harte is the current—and most
successful—Gaelic football manager of
the Tyrone senior inter-county team.
He has led Tyrone to three All-Ireland titles,
four Ulster titles, one National League, and
eight Dr. McKenna Cups.
Born in Glencull, near Ballygawley, County
Tyrone, Harte was educated at the Christian
Brothers Grammar School in Omagh. He trained to be a
teacher at St. Joseph’s College in Belfast (now St Mary’s).
Before he became the Tyrone Senior Football Manager,
he managed Tyrone Minors and under-21s and won the
All-Irelands with both teams. The retired PE teacher was
highly involved in the development of many of his current
inter-county stars at schools level and experienced great
success with them. He also managed his home club of
Errigal Ciarán, winning the Tyrone County Championship
and Ulster Club Championship.
Celebrating the winning point at the
All-Ireland Semi-Final 2005.
Harte is renowned as one of the most strategic
tacticians in the game today. His motivational
skills and one-to-one coaching of players have
contributed greatly to his success as a manager.
He bases his training sessions on practical,
highly effective drills and is admired by both
peers and former rivals.
While Harte has experienced many highs
in his management career, he has also suffered terrible
lows, including the untimely deaths of Tyrone football
players Paul McGirr and Cormac McAnallen. In 2011,
the world grieved with him as he faced the tragic loss
of his beloved daughter Michaela. Through it all, Harte
has continued to provide tremendous support to charities
in Ireland and around the world. Inspired by the life of
his daughter, he created The Michaela Foundation.
Its mission is to help young people in Ireland live
“Life Without Limits” by offering programs designed
to promote a happy, confident, faith filled life.
The Michaela Foundation awards students
scholarships to help with their university costs.
Hoisting the Sam Maguire in 2008.
themichaelafoundation.com
Ireland Network Chicago is honored to welcome Mr. Harte as Keynote Speaker of the 2015 Annual Ball.
A Message from the Consul General
Aidan Cronin
Ireland’s Consul General in Chicago
My wife, Maedhbh, and I are delighted
to be here with you all tonight at what
is our fourth, and sadly our last, Ireland
Network Ball in Chicago, as we will be
returning to Ireland later this year, my term as
Consul General ending this summer. This is,
then, an appropriate juncture for me to reflect
on the important role that the Network has
played over the past four years in Chicago.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Network’s
current and past Presidents and Committee Members for their
hard work, dedication, support, and of course, friendship.
Tonight’s Annual Ball is one of the best examples of that
hard work and support that the Network gives to the
wider Irish community in Chicago, with the Ball now one of
the highlights of the Irish social and business networking calendar
here, as well as an important fundraiser for Irish non-profit
organizations active in the city. Thank you to the Ball Committee
for the huge amount of time and effort given to put on this
wonderful evening.
For any of you here tonight who are not yet members
of the Ireland Network Chicago, I would strongly
encourage you to join. Not only a hub for social and business
networking, the Network’s program of topical discussion events,
IN-Conversation, also provides valuable insight into important
current business issues. The Consulate was delighted to be
at least in some way instrumental last year in enabling Ireland
Network Chicago to become one of the first business networks
in the US to receive grant support from the Irish government’s
Emigrant Support Program, specifically for the IN-Conversation
program. As the first, and still one of the most active, Ireland
Networks in the US, this was as it should be, and I look forward
to participating in many more productive and enjoyable events on
the Ireland Network Chicago calendar before departing for new
challenges in Ireland in the summer.
The important role that the Irish Diaspora
and Irish America has played, through
organizations like Ireland Network
Chicago, in promoting Ireland as a
business partner in the US, should not be
underestimated. Tonight’s gathering is proof
of that. While the toughest times of Ireland’s
economic crisis are now behind us, there is still a
long, steady, road to full recovery ahead. Ireland
still needs organizations like Ireland Network Chicago and its
members in the Irish and Irish American business community
here, to continue to promote Ireland as one of the world’s best
business partners and best business destinations.
2015 will be a busy one for the Consulate, as we promote Ireland
through St. Patrick’s Day but also with additional initiatives like
The Year of Irish Design (www.irishdesign2015.ie) and the
celebration of the 150th Anniversary of William Butler
Yeats (www.yeats2015.com). We are also working with the
Irish community here in Chicago as we develop a series of
commemorative events to take place in 2016, as we mark the
100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Along with
the team at the Consulate of Ireland, I look forward to continuing
to work closely with Ireland Network Chicago, under the
leadership of its President, Imelda Gallagher, this year and, if
I might speak for my successor, in the years to come.
Maedhbh, Caoimhe, Cadhla and I will miss so many
things about Chicago, not least the friendship and
support of the great Irish community in this, the
greatest of American cities. Thank you all.
Go Bears!
Le gach dea ghuí,
Aidan Cronin
Consul General
February 2015
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1
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Share your pride
Northern Irish Connections is a global network that helps
connect the millions of Northern Irish people and friends
of Northern Ireland around the globe.
We want to hear how you’re connected to
Northern Ireland and what makes you
proud of the place and the people.
Our members
Northern Irish
Connections
@ConnectNI
Northern Irish
Connections
We are proud to support the Ireland Network Annual Gala
Register at niconnections.com
A special message from IN–Chicago to Consul General Aidan Cronin
Ár mbuíochas ó chroí a Aidáin!
The Ireland Network would like to express its deep gratitude to the Consul General of Ireland, Aidan Cronin,
and his team at the Consulate in Chicago for their longstanding support, advice, and encouragement.
We would also like to thank the Irish Government for its continued support of IN-USA, of which Chicago
is the oldest chapter. We look forward to future events with the Consul General, which will continue
to be of interest and relevance to our Ireland Network membership.
Social event number 3,742
and our esteemed Consul
General is still smiling.
IN-Chicago members gave a warm welcome to President
Michael D. Higgins and First Lady Sabina Coyne during their visit
to Chicago in May. We were proud to be represented by the
Honorable Aidan Cronin, Consul General of Ireland,
and his wife Maedhbh, shown here with their
son Cadhla and daughter Caoimhe.
Podiums, podiums,
so many podiums!
From all of us at Ireland Network Chicago—a heartfelt thank you, Aidan and Maedhbh.
Best of luck in your exciting new chapter back home in Ireland.
Ireland Network
IRELAND NETWORK CHICAGO
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Wishing Ireland Network Chicago continued success,
from your friends at
General Contractors and Construction Managers
BMO/Bank of Montreal * Harris Bank, N.A. * Marshall & Ilsley Corp * JP Morgan Chase
Barclays Capital Wealth * Neuberger Berman Group LLC * RSM McGladery
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Farm Bureau Insurance Co * Magnani Continuum Marketing * Ledford and Wu Attorneys
Howard and Howard LLP * Martin and Karcazes LLP * Windsor Financial Group LLC
ASICS * Rolex * Tourneau * Van Cleef & Arpels * Cartier * BCBG Max Azria
MARC Jacobs * Hart, Shafner & Marx * The Limited Brands Company * LUCKY Brand Co.
Russian Tea Time * The Walking Company * Garrett Popcorn
CB Richard Ellis * Jones Lang LaSalle Americas * US Equities Realty * BPG Properties
Michigan Avenue Investors * Sterling Bay Companies * Cushman & Wakefield * GSA Management
Farrelly Building Services * Chicago Training Institute * The Cliff Dwellers * Smart Digital LLC
Paragraphs LLC * The South African Consulate of Chicago
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photo courtesy of Bellissima Photography
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A Most Distinguished Address
The world famous Shelbourne is a timeless landmark in the heart of Dublin.
Overlooking the magnificent St. Stephen’s Green, it is only a few minutes’ walk
from Dublin’s most famous landmarks as well as the key shopping and cultural areas
of the city. The connection to Ireland’s capital runs far deeper than location.
Founded in 1824, The Shelbourne is a place where history has been made, the
Irish Constitution was drafted, literary masterpieces were penned and society
was shaped. An award winning 5 AA Red Stars, The Shelbourne is the
city’s landmark hotel and Dublin’s most prestigious address.
Embracing the future, Reflecting the past
The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel, 27 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Telephone +353 1 663 4500 Facsimile +353 1 661 6006
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A Look Back at Ireland Network Chicago Events
This has been a stellar year for IN-Chicago!
In May, we proudly welcomed President Michael D. Higgins to
Chicago during his second official visit to the U.S. More recently,
IN-Chicago stalwart and restaurateur Billy Lawless Sr., was
called upon to introduce President Barack Obama during his
globally reported speech on immigration reform. We also enjoyed
quizzes and cruises, supported fundraisers for worthy causes, and
networked at business, arts, and cultural events.
Here are just some of the many highlights:
27 Jan 2015 IN-Conversation: “Immigration: Impact of Recent
Changes” | Park Grill Chicago, Millennium Park
02 Jan 2015 First Friday Gathering | Celtic Crossings
05 Dec 2014 First Friday Gathering | Elephant & Castle
05 Dec IN-Chicago supported event: Irish Fellowship Club
of Chicago’s Annual Christmas Luncheon |
Hilton Chicago
19 NovIN-Chicago Annual Table Quiz | Corcoran’s
Grill & Pub
15 NovIN-Chicago supported event: Concern Worldwide
Thanks-for-Giving Gala | theWit Hotel
08 NovIN-Chicago supported event: IN-New Orleans Famine
Commemoration Ball | Gallier Hall, New Orleans
07 Nov First Friday Gathering | Emerald Loop
Who’s the gentleman being so warmly greeted by
President Obama in Chicago? Turn the page and see!
His Excellency, Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland,
during his 2014 visit to Chicago.
06 NovNetwork with the Neighbors: Hosted by the Consul
General of Ireland, the Hon. Aidan Cronin and
Mrs. Maedhbh Cronin for IN Chicago, IDA, the
British American Business Council and Invest
Northern Ireland
05 NovIN-Chicago supported event: American Ireland Fund’s
30th Annual Chicago Dinner | Hilton Chicago
03 OctFirst Friday Gathering | IN Members’ Annual
Business Showcase | The Gage
03 OctIN-Chicago supported event: iBAM!, the sixth
annual Irish Books Arts and Music Celebration |
Irish American Heritage Center
26 SepIN-Chicago supported event: Film screening of
A Terrible Beauty, produced by Dave Farrell |
Gene Siskel Film Center
19 Sep Theatre Performance: The Night Alive by
Conor McPherson | Steppenwolf
11 SepIN-Chicago supported event: IN-USA 2nd AGM:
Austin, Texas
05 Sep First Friday Gathering | Fadó
28 AugIN-Chicago supported event: Atlantic Sound |
The Elbo Room
27 Aug Annual AIF Young Leaders’ Summer Sunset Fireworks
Cruise | Navy Pier, Lake Michigan
22 AugMovie on the Roof | (Cancelled due to bad weather)
Watch for the next movie date this summer!
01 Aug First Friday Gathering | The Pepper Canister
29 JulIN-Chicago supported event: Randox at AACC
(American Association of Clinical Chemistry) Conference
and Expo | McCormick Place
“A Look Back” continues on next page...
A Look Back at Ireland Network Chicago Events
continued...
29 JulIN-Chicago supported event: Chicago Irish Film Festival:
“Calvary” directed by John Martin McDonagh | AMC
River East adjourning to Lizzie McNeill’s
14 Jun IN-Chicago Annual Picnic | Montrose Harbor
06 Jun First Friday Gathering | Celtic Crossings
12 MayIN-Chicago supported event: President Michael D.
Higgins, presented by The Chicago Council and The
Harris School | The Drake
02 May First Friday Gathering | Emerald Loop
12 Apr IN-Chicago supported event: Irish American Hall of Fame
Awards Gala | Irish American Heritage Center
04 AprIN-Chicago Annual Members’ Meeting | The Gage
14 MarIN-Chicago supported event: Irish Fellowship Club of
Chicago’s 113th Annual St Patrick’s Day Dinner | Hilton
Chicago
14 MarIN-Chicago supported event: Irish American Partnership’s
Annual St Patrick’s Day Breakfast | Union League Club
PHOTO CREDIT: STEPPENWOLF
IN-Chicago members enjoy special access to
live performances, like this Steppenwolf production of
Conor McPherson’s The Night Alive with Francis Guinan.
13 MarIN-Chicago supported event: Chicagoland Chamber of
Commerce presents “Innovation and Technology in Local
and International Markets” | Panel discussion featuring
Sean Sherlock TD, Ireland’s Minister of State for Research
& Innovation, and John Tolva, President of PositivEnergy
Practice, LLC and former Chief Technology Officer for the
City of Chicago | Microsoft
08 MarIN-Chicago supported event: AIF Chicago Young Leaders
4th Annual Green Gala | Willis Tower
07 MarFirst Friday Gathering | “Forever Green,” Young
Irish Fellowship Fundraiser | Park West
04 MarIN-Chicago supported event: American Ireland Fund
Event: Dance Performance Heartbeat from Home,
produced by John McColgan | The Oriental Theater
Billy and Anne Lawless with President Obama in January 2015.
In addition to introducing the President’s landmark speech on
immigration reform, Billy hosted an IN-Conversation on the topic.
28 FebIN-Chicago supported event: Concern Worldwide
Women of Concern Awards Luncheon |
Hyatt Regency Chicago
15 FebIN-Chicago 11th Annual Ball | Raffle benefiting
Concern Worldwide and Chicago Irish Immigrant
Support | The Drake
07 Feb First Friday Gathering | Park Grill Chicago
17 Jan IN-Conversation: “The Chicago Business Climate
and Outlook for 2014” | Panel discussion with Theresa
Mintle (President & CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of
Commerce), Eileen Mitchell (Vice President of External
Affairs and Government Relations, AT&T Illinois) and
moderator Janet Davies (ABC-7 Chicago) | The Gage
03 Jan First Friday Gathering| Fadó
L to R: Panelist Theresa Mintle, moderator Janet Davies, and
panelist Eileen Mitchell at Jan. 17 IN-Conversation.
Ireland Network
IRELAND NETWORK
CHICAGO
It’s the people you know!
Many thanks to Mary Ellen Johnston, who contributed many of our 2014 photos.
The Law Office of Regina L. R athnau LLC
Regina Rathnau congratulates
Ireland Network Chicago on hosting
another great gala event!
Attorney at Law & Certified Public Accountant
The Law Office of Regina L. Rathnau LLC
39 South LaSalle Street, Suite 200
Chicago, Illinois 60603
regina@rathnaulaw.com
Phone 312.659.2953
Fax 312.602.4983
celebrated & celebrations
Contact Áine Mallaghan
E: aine.mallaghan@investni.com
T: 312.955.0058
Invest Northern Ireland congratulates
the Ireland Network Chicago on the
2015 Annual Ball.
www.investni.com
Dolder Walsh, Inc..
Personal Investment Company
John D. McEneany & Imelda M.W. Gallagher
would like to congratulate
Ireland Network Chicago on their
2015 Annual Ball.
“Forward Thinking for Big Plans”
2015: A Year of Irish Design
All-island initiative aimed at
showcasing Irish design at home
and internationally gets underway
Irish Design 2015 (ID2015), a yearlong initiative
celebrating Irish design in just about every form,
has officially begun.
Through a program of events and activities engaging the
public, the design community, and businesses both in Ireland and internationally,
ID2015 aims to showcase the very best of Irish design in order to drive job
creation, grow exports, and increase competitiveness.
Architect: Byrne Design LLC (Irish-owned, Chicago-based)
Design creates a better world.
It can enhance our lives,
our environment, and our society.
It shapes everything we see,
use, and experience.
ID2015 will see over 300 design events, conferences, exhibitions, and more
in Ireland and internationally. Highlights include:
• The Design Island exhibition of 300 photographs celebrating Irish creativity
at Dublin Airport, which will be seen by more than 21 million passengers
by the end of 2015
• A series of Irish and international design exhibitions throughout the year
at The Coach House at Dublin Castle
• Presentations of the work of Irish architects and people working in the built
environment at biennials in London, Hong Kong/Shenzhen, and Chicago
ID2015 is being convened by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI),
on behalf of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Enterprise Ireland. The initiative aims to:
• Create 1800 jobs over three years through sales of design-led products
and services
• Generate an additional €10m in design-based exports
• Generate 200 new design-led business start-ups
• Facilitate more than 300 companies in international trade missions
and design-based trade events
• Engage with an audience of over 3 million at home and abroad
• Help launch a digital platform which will act as a one stop shop for people
interested in finding the latest design tools and techniques and making
connections with peers
According to Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Design & Crafts Council of
Ireland, ID2015 offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s well recognized
strengths and international reputation for design and creativity. “Events and
activities at home and abroad throughout 2015 will position Ireland at
the heart of a design-focused, forward-thinking, creative economy.”
For details on the full calendar of events, visit irishdesign2015.ie
24 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 | 312.372.4243 | thegagechicago.com
Best wishes to Ireland Network Chicago
from your friends at Acanto and The Gage.
18 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 | 312.578.0763 | acantochicago.com
“Keep ’er lit,
big Padraig McNulty!”
Galway Bay Pub
500 W. Diversey Pkwy.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 348-3750
galwaybaypub.com
Galway Bay Pub welcomes Tyrone’s legendary
football manager, Mickey Harte, to Chicago and congratulates
Ireland Network Chicago on the 2015 Ball.
HVAC
Congratulations to Ireland Network Chicago and warmest wishes for 2015!
Regan Heating
Keep ’erInc.
lit,
big Padraig McNulty!
The #1 Choice of Leading Architects,
Developers, and Builders in Chicagoland:
• 21 years as one of Chicago’s finest heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning companies
• An exceptionally skilled workforce
• State-of-the-art “green” technical experience
• Award-winning installation
Galway Bay Pub
• Family owned and operated
Galway Bay Pub welcomes Tyrone’s legendary
500 W. Diversey Pkwy
manager,
Mickey
Harte,| to(708)
Chicago
and congratulates
S. Roberts Rd. football
| Suite 101
| Justice,
IL 60458
237-0000
Chicago, IL 8648
60614
Email: reganheating@sbcglobal.net Web: www.reganheating.com
(773) 348- 3750
Ireland Network Chicago on the 2015 Ball.
galwaybaypub.com
Lahinch, Ireland
Experience “Golf Heaven on Earth”
Classic Golf Destinations
Ireland
This vacation, why putter around the house when
you could be putting around a green?
Classic Golf Destinations invites you on an excursion to some of the most celebrated golf courses
in Ireland. From Royal Portrush to Waterville, Lough Erne to Lahinch, more than four hundred
storied courses await you. Walk in the footsteps of champions as you, too, live like a legend.
Let us personalize your tour with options for fine dining and luxury accommodations—
all at a price that will leave you pleasantly surprised.
“Classic Golf Destinations’ golf vacation to Ireland was fantastic.”—Tim Ryan
“Our group had a trip of a lifetime.”—Brian Coll
“Nobody does it better than Classic Golf Destinations. Our group was thrilled
with Bob’s detail, organization, service and hospitality.” —Christy Bouhardin
To learn more or to book your trip,
visit classgolftrips.com,
email classgolftrips@sbcglobal.net,
or call (847) 909-6035.
International Member of
Ireland Golf Tour Operators Association
Bob Fennell is President of Classic Golf Destinations, and a proud member of Ireland Network Chicago.
What’s Next for Ireland Network Chicago?
Join us and find out!
The benefits of becoming a subscribed member of IN-Chicago are numerous:
• Direct connection to the vibrant Irish business community in Chicago and beyond
• Access via our networking events to visiting speakers, commentators and business leaders
• Opportunities to expand your business contact network via fellow members, reconnect with colleagues,
and develop new connections
• Access to Ireland Network events in other cities
• Access to the continuously expanding IN-Chicago membership directory—and the national umbrella
organization, IN-USA, at www.irishnetwork-usa.org.
• IN-Chicago membership provides you with the means to stay connected with fellow Irish across all
business sectors in the Chicago area, while promoting your business, your expertise and your interests via
your profile.
A membership subscription is only US$50 annually, and online registration is quick and easy.
Become a member or join our email list by visiting TheIrelandNetwork.com.
Here’s a preview of some of our upcoming events:
• Friday, February 27: IN-Chicago supported event: Concern Worldwide, Women of Concern Awards Luncheon
(reception 11:00 am, luncheon 12:00 pm, Hyatt Regency)
• February 28-March 7: IN-Chicago supported event: Chicago Irish Film Festival (Music Box Theater & Gallery Theater)
• Friday, March 6: First Friday Gathering (Johnny O’Hagan’s Irish Pub, 6:00 pm)
• Saturday, March 7: IN-Chicago supported event: AIF Chicago Young Leaders 5th Annual Green Gala (7:30 pm,
99th Floor of the Willis Tower Skydeck, 233 S. Wacker)
• Friday, March 13: IN-Chicago supported events: Irish American Partnership’s annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast
(8:00 am, Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson). Then join the Irish Fellowship Club for cocktails at 6:00 pm, followed
by their annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner at 7:30 pm. (Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan)
• Friday, April 3: First Friday and Annual Meeting (The Gage, 24 S. Michigan) Learn about events planned for the year
ahead, listen to a review of activities and finances for the year just past, and most importantly, offer your feedback and
ideas for the future.
Look out for more IN-Conversations, and such annual events as the IN Picnic,
Movie-on-the-Roof, IN Members’ Business Forum, and “Networking with Neighbors”!
Get connected. Stay connected.
Ireland Network Chicago Committee Members
Eamon Byrne
eamonbyrne1@hotmail.com
Breandán Magee
bmagee@ci-is.org
Nicholas Michael
Nicholas.Michael@dfa.ie
Eamon hails from Kilkenny and obtained
a BA in Business and Human Resources
from the National College of Ireland.
He started his career at Allied Irish Banks
(AIB), where he worked for over seven
years before moving to Chicago on the
Fourth of July, 2013. Eamon currently
works for Blue Star International, a wine
distributor, as an Account Manager.
He holds a Level 3 Wine Spirit Education
Trust, recently achieved Certified
Specialist of Wine, and is also a Wine
Educator for The American Wine School
in Chicago. This April, Eamon will marry
his Chicago fiancée, Bridget Crowley,
with dozens of guests flying in from
Ireland to celebrate!
Breandán, a native of Belfast, serves
as Executive Director of Chicago Irish
Immigrant Support, which offers a full
range of immigration and social services
to the Irish community. He also acts as
Vice President of the Coalition of Irish
Immigration Centers, which represents
over a dozen Irish immigration centers
nationwide. Breandán has lobbied at
state and federal levels for pro-immigrant
legislation and serves as Treasurer of the
Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform.
He recently attended a White House
briefing on immigration reform. He holds
a Masters degree in Public Policy from
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh and is
fluent in Spanish. He arrived in Chicago
after posts in Madrid and Seoul.
Nicholas graduated from Trinity College
Dublin in 2002. He worked in New York
City at the British American Chamber of
Commerce, before joining Barclays Bank
in London in the Marketing Department
in 2005. Moving from banking to the
civil service in 2007, Nicholas worked
at the Home Office and the Department
for Transport in the UK Civil Service,
running social marketing campaigns.
He moved back to Dublin in 2009 to
take up a role in the Irish Diplomatic
Service. After a first posting in Tanzania,
Nicholas moved to Chicago in August
2013 as Vice Consul of Ireland.
Áine Mallaghan
aine.mallaghan@investni.com
Eamon is an Engineering Manager at
Analog Devices. A native of Tipperary
Town and an alumnus of University
of Limerick, he has lived in the United
States for 21 years, the last ten in
Chicago. Having recently completed
a triathlon, Eamon also includes
photography, squash and tennis
among his interests.
Imelda Gallagher President
imeldagallagher@gmail.com
Imelda has been on the Committee for
six years. She grew up in Galway and
lived in Dublin before returning to her
native Chicago. Imelda was a Barrister in
Ireland and also worked in Brussels with
the European Commission. Imelda is a
Senior Project Manager specializing in
leasing/licensing and zoning/permitting
for major wireless network carriers to
expand and improve telecommunication
and Internet coverage.
Katie Hamilton
khamilton@chicagolandchamber.org
Katie is the Director of Small Business at
the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
She is the former Public Affairs Officer
at the Consulate General of Ireland in
Chicago. She has Masters degrees in
Policy from the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign and the University
College Cork in Ireland. Katie also
teaches Irish dance in the South Loop
and western suburbs.
Ronan Keary
Ronan.Keary@cbre.com
Originally from Ballymacward, Co. Galway,
Ronan is a commercial real estate broker with
CBRE. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Public and
Social Policy from the National University of
Ireland, Galway. An avid sports fan, Ronan is
a loyal supporter of the Galway G.A.A. teams
as well as Aston Villa F.C.
Áine is from Pomeroy in Co. Tyrone
and has been living in Chicago for the
last several years following a stint in
New York. Áine is a Vice President
of Business Development for Invest
Northern Ireland and a recent addition
to the Ireland Network Committee.
She has traveled extensively and is
happy to call Chicago home for now.
She is an avid Tyrone G.A.A . fan, a
graduate of Queens University, Belfast,
and currently lives in River North.
Mallory McSweeney
mallory.mcsweeney@gmail.com
Mallory has been an Events and
Marketing Manager for Fadó Pubs, Inc.
for four years, and previously worked in
Event Management in both Milwaukee
and Dublin. She has a BA in History
from Marquette University, which also
included some study at NUI Galway.
Mallory is on the Executive Board of the
Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago,
currently serving as Vice President of
the Cultural Committee.
Eamon Nash
eamon.nash@analog.com
Valerie Wall
v.wall@rccorp.us
Valerie is Secretary of Ireland Network
Chicago. She has been a committee
member for six years, following a stint
as President of the UCD Alumni–
Chicago Chapter. A native of Dublin,
Valerie has lived in Chicago for 16
years, direct from finishing her Ph.D.
in Chemistry at UCD. Having started
her career as a research scientist with
the Monsanto Company, Valerie is now
part of Richmond Chemical Corporation,
a chemistry and biosciences company
in Oak Brook.
facebook, twitter announcment here
What makes Ireland great, makes Ireland great for business
Tel: +1 312 2360222 / Email: idaireland@ida.ie
1011847 IDA Real Potential 5.125"x8".indd 1
15/10/2014 10:38
And now, for a brief announcement ...
Come join Ireland Network Chicago online!
Like us on Facebook
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Check out our IN Business and Social Blog
Visit theirelandnetwork.com
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Be IN the know...with IN-Chicago!
Vaughan
hospitality group
oLd towN // 1615 N. wells
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NorthceNter // 4356 N. Leavitt
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orLaNd park // 39 orland Square dr.
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Lakeview // 2917 N. Sheffield
vaughanhospitality.com
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