by Deirdre Woodbyrne | Feb 17, 2014 | Bay Area, In The News, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC
Irish Examiner
The government has announced details of the largest St Patrick’s Day travel programme since it came to office.
28 of Ireland’s 30 ministers will be travelling abroad, with many leading trade missions to encourage foreign investment in Ireland.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny will lead the programme, travelling to New York, Boston and Washington DC while Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin heads for China.
The programme marks the first time that ministers will have travelled to Vietnam or Mexico, and the first time in four years that one will go to Russia.
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn and Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes are the only members of Government not travelling abroad this St. Patrick’s day.
Who is going where:
Taoiseach Enda Kenny – New York, Boston and Washington DC
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore – France
Minister for Finance Michael Noonan – Canada
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin – China
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton – Italy
Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton – New York
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan – San Francisco
Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte – London and Birmingham
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan – United Arab Emirates
Minister for Justice and Equality and Minister for Defence Alan Shatter – Mexico
Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food Simon Coveney – New Zealand and Eastern Australia
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald – Japan and Korea
Minister for Health James Reilly – Boston and Cleveland
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar – Atlanta and Savannah
Attorney General Máire Whelan SC – Washington DC
Minister of State at the Department of The Taoiseach & Defence Paul Kehoe – Lebanon
Minister of State, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government Jan O’Sullivan – Scotland
Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Dinny McGinley – Pittsburgh and Philadelphia
Minister of State for Small Business John Perry – Spain
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring – Netherlands
Minister of State, Department of Health and Department of Justice, Equality & Defence Kathleen Lynch – Vietnam
Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources and Environment, Community & Local Government Fergus O’Dowd – Germany
Minister of State, Department of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation and Department of Education & Skills Sean Sherlock – Chicago and Kansas City
Minister of State for Training and Skills Ciaran Cannon – Romania
Minister of State Alan Kelly – Western Australia
Minister of State for Public and Commuter Transport Alex White – Russia
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine Tom Hayes – Norway
Minister of State for European Affairs Paschal Donohoe – Belgium and Luxembourg
by Deirdre Woodbyrne | Feb 15, 2014 | In The News
Emigrants can hook up online, but meeting in person is so important that the Government funds get-togethers and organisations that provide support
By Ciara Kenny
The Irish Times
For previous generations of emigrants, Irish pubs, community groups, pastoral centres and sports clubs were often the first port of call when they arrived in a new place, providing information about accommodation, job opportunities and social events.
The internet has revolutionised the experience of moving abroad, allowing emigrants to research their destination, apply for visas and jobs, view apartments and even establish a social network before taking flight. But no amount of socialising and networking in the virtual world can replace traditional support systems.
Welfare organisations that have been serving Irish immigrants for decades still play a vital role in assisting new arrivals, and the financial support they receive from Ireland is essential.
“While online networks are really important, there is something about knowing there’s a physical place you can go to connect with others in person and have a face-to-face conversation,” says Jennie McShannon of Irish in Britain, which represents almost 100 Irish organisations across England, Scotland and Wales.
“When something goes wrong it is really important people have somewhere to go, and online can’t cut it in that way. Irish organisations also help young professionals who might otherwise be getting on very well here to find a sense of place and a sense of community that are not always available online.”
Although the vast majority of such organisations are not for profit, it costs a lot to rent premises and provide staff when volunteers are not enough. The Department of Foreign Affairs has provided €115 million for the work of groups serving Irish communities across the globe since it established the emigrant support programme, in 2004.
Even though its budget has shrunk since peaking, at €15 million, in 2008, the department has provided about €11.5 million a year throughout the recession, in recognition of the rising number of people leaving the country and the increasing needs of elderly Irish abroad. Last year 182 organisations in 15 countriesreceived funding for more than 350 projects under the scheme.
Although most funding still goes to organisations in the UK and the US, organisations in Australia have received about €380,000 annually in recent years – about double the grants given before 2008. The Irish Canadian Immigration Centre, which opened two years ago in Toronto to support newly arrived Irish people, has also been funded primarily by the programme.
Emphasis has shifted towards heritage and cultural projects, as well as towards organisations that foster connections between Ireland and its overseas communities, particularly in business. Irish Network USA and the Irish International Business Network were among the few organisations granted funding for the first time last year.
Recognising the importance of Irish sports clubs in helping migrants to create social networks and retain cultural ties to Ireland, the emigrant support programme also gives money to the GAA; in 2012 the figure was €370,000.
Social networks that originated online but are now arranging meet-ups and events for new arrivals are also being recognised. In Australia, more than 400 people have signed up online for the Irish Brekkie Club, which says it gets emigrants together for a fry, a “fix of Barry’s and a quick chat with their fellow expats whenever they feel the need”. It received almost €5,000 last year.
McShannon says funding from the programme is a lifeline for Irish organisations around the world. “The Irish abroad have sent home remittances for generations and are still doing so today, especially through business interests and philanthropy, so this is the way Ireland can give back to its overseas communities and make sure those who are most vulnerable are supported, including the newly departed.”
Next Wednesday 19th is the closing date for this year’s applications to the emigrant support programme; see dfa.ie
The following are an example of some of the organisations which have received funding under the Emigrant Support Programme in recent years:
The Irish Mashonaland Association, Zimbabwe
Dorothy Vahey, treasurer: “The Irish Association of Mashonaland prides itself on keeping the Irish living in Zimbabwe in touch with one another to celebrate the land of their birth. It also strives to promote the Irish culture among all who call Zimbabwe home. We were established in 1891 and believe we are the oldest Irish diaspora association in the world.
“Our primary charity is Emerald Hill Children’s Home, and we use our gatherings to raise funds for this worthy cause which is still vibrant and thriving. We are also there to support the Irish and their descendants in Zimbabwe who find themselves in time of need.
“Since 2009, we have received between 15,000 and 24,000 per year in funding under the Emigrant Support Programme. These funds have been a lifeline to our association and its members, particularly when inflation in Zimbabwe soared between 2006 and 2009, wiping out the life savings of residents here, leaving the elderly particularly vulnerable.
“We use the ESP funds to subsidise events and help bring some cheer to those elderly Irish and elderly Irish religious, in addition to assisting them in times of need.
“The committee is voluntary and organises approximately 20 events per annum. These are advertised by way of a mailing list which has close to 600 names of Irish, Irish descendants and friends of the Irish.” mashonalandirish.com
The Australian Irish Welfare Bureau (Melbourne)
Marion O’Hagan, administrator: “The Australian Irish Welfare Bureau is a non profit organisation formed in the early 1970s by a group of community minded people who saw the need for an organisation that could assist Irish people in Victoria who might find themselves in need or distress. Confidentiality, respect and client dignity is guaranteed.
“The service is open to Irish Australians, the elderly, infirm, new settlers and backpackers who may require help with anything from hospital or prison visits, to immigration information, employment advice, funeral arrangements, or food parcels. We also arrange language and cultural activities. The Bureau has a drop-in centre open four days a week, and we hold a lunch every Tuesday, a card game and computer classes on a Thursday and a parent group on Friday.
“The first grant we received from the Irish Government was in 1996. From the early 70s until that time the committee, sponsors and supporters organised fundraising activities to keep the doors of the rented premises open. The $20,000.00 was indeed greatly appreciated. The amount granted annually has increased steadily (from $20,000 in the first year to over $138,000 in 2013), enabling us expand to meet the ever-increasing demand on our services and create much-needed new projects like our Home from Home Parent Group, formed to support young emigrant families adjust to their new surroundings. Our outreach programme in 2013 grew to over 2,000 visits to the elderly, isolated and infirm. Without the ESP Grant our services would be greatly diminished.” aiwbmel@iinet.net.au
Irish Business Network, Dubai
Bernard Creed, chairman: “The IBN was established in 2011 to provide a networking and educational platform for Irish professionals based in Dubai. This is the first official Irish business council to be set up in Dubai and is registered with the Dubai Chamber, which has 39 Business Councils and 24 Business Groups under its auspices, representing a vast cross section of the business community. Membership is open to all Irish nationals living and working in the UAE as well as to business professionals with Irish connections.
“The IBN hosts regular business breakfasts with a keynote speaker, and industry gatherings focusing on one particular sector such as construction, food or finance. We also invite members to participate in trade visits and delegations, and organise social gatherings to provide networking opportunities.
The grant the IBN received under the ESP in 2012 was used to set up the IBN website where members can find out about upcoming events, apply for membership, pay online, and apply for and post job opportunities.
“The grant received in 2013 was used to support the Taste of Ireland Green Box competition which was set up by the food sector committee to promote Irish food in the UAE. The competition is open to all chefs in the region with the support of The Emirates Culinary Guild. The Green Box dinner, which was the culmination of the competition and which involved the finalists preparing their dishes using Irish produce, was attended by opinion formers from the food industry including media and buyers from the retail and food service sectors across the UAE. Since the event, Irish food and drink sales have increased significantly in the region.”irishbusinessnetwork.me
Irish Network USA
Co-president Steve Lenox: “Irish Network USA was formally established in 2010 to provide national level organisation, communication and support to individual “IN” chapters around the country. Irish Network USA currently includes 16 chapters.
“By providing a national framework and support, Irish Network USA and its chapters are able to offer high quality networking opportunities for Irish, Irish-Americans and “friends” of Ireland; increase business opportunities and economic development between the US and Ireland; connect newly arrived Irish immigrants with their communities and provide work and visa advice; promote Irish arts, culture and sport; and complement the efforts of pre-existing Irish organisations.
“Connect Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the GAA and Enterprise Ireland are just a few of the agencies or organisations that have benefitted from the reach of Irish Network USA.
“Irish Network USA first received ESP funding in 2013. The $50,000 went towards staff support, and the development of a national website and database which will allow members from across the country connect for business or other purposes.
“This funding, in combination with the unrelenting support of the Embassy and Consular staff across the US has been critical to IN USA’s success. As we continue to strengthen our chapters that already exist, and launch new ones in cities such as Buffalo, Houston, Stanford and Nashville, the ability to connect the Diaspora to Ireland at a grassroots level will be greater than ever.” irishnetwork-usa.org
Other organisations which received funding in 2013:
Ireland Reaching Out: A network to which allows local communities identify and engage members of the diaspora around the world whose emigrant ancestors are originally from their local area, and invite them directly to Ireland to participate in a local programme of tourism and activities. By mid 2013, Ireland XO website had 15,000 online users, 245 parish liaisons, over 2,000 volunteers and 200,000 visitors.irelandxo.com
The Dictionary of Sydney Trust: A non-profit established under the auspices of the City of Sydney (Australia) to create a freely accessible online resource that records and publicises the history of the city of Sydney and the people who built it. Funding was granted to the entity so that it could publish more details on the history of the Irish in Sydney, and to develop a walking tour of Sydney application highlighting the points of Irish historical interest trust.dictionaryofsydney.org/projects/exploring-old-irish-sydney
Brian Boru IDL Club: Founded in 1891, the Brian Boru IDL (Irish Democratic League) Club in Ashton, north west England, is one of the oldest Irish Clubs in Britain. The club promotes the heritage of Ireland through the provision of Irish language classes, dancing and music, and provides social activities and care for the elderly Irish community in the area. It also organises the local St Patricks Day parade.brianboruclub.co.uk
London Irish Music School: An organisation aiming to promote traditional Irish music, song and dance in London and the surrounding areas, including through running classes, workshops and concerts. londonirishmusicschool.co.uk
Farmleigh Fellowship: A Singapore-based, not-for-profit organisation, currently managing the 2013 Asian MBS programme, a degree awarded by University College Cork in association with Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. The initiative supports a cohort of young Irish talent and enables them to develop the business, culture and communication skills necessary to succeed in Asia through industry projects, academic modules, mentoring and senior-level networking. The Farmleigh Fellowship has brought 47 young Irish professionals to Asia. farmleighfellowship.com
by Deirdre Woodbyrne | Jan 11, 2014 | Buffalo, In The News
Association will establish Buffalo chapter to boost cultural ties
By Anne Neville, News Staff Reporter & Matt Glynn, News Business Reporter
The Buffalo News
More than 100 people from all over the region who share a common interest in Ireland and the Irish turned out for a reception Friday night to hear about the launch of a new Irish Network USA chapter in Buffalo.
The people in attendance, mostly Irish and Irish-American, whose interests in Ireland ranged from sports, theater, music, arts, literature, academics and culture, mingled with two Irish dignitaries – Liam O’Neill, president of the Gaelic Athletic Association, an Irish sports and cultural organization with a worldwide presence, and Peter Ryan, deputy consul general for economic and public affairs for the Consulate General of Ireland in New York City.
In addition to athletics, the athletic association’s clubs are a way for Irish people to connect and support each other in countries around the world. “It reflects the very best of Irish society,” said Ryan. Irish immigrants, including Mayo man Padraic Walsh, have joined with Irish-Americans to establish a local GAA-affiliated Gaelic football club here called the Buffalo Fenians.
The new chapter of the Irish Network being established here intends to further capitalize on the links between people in Ireland and Western New York.
“It is about promoting economic development and business relations, between cities and states across the United States,” said Deirdre Woodbyrne, executive director of the Irish Network USA, which is based in New Jersey. “It’s about promoting Irish heritage, culture and sports.”
Seventeen other U.S. cities, including New York City, already have Irish Network chapters. Buffalo’s chapter won’t be officially launched until the spring, but representatives were in town on Friday to share their plans, while lauding the city’s Irish ties and influences.
Irish Network chapters in other U.S. cities serve as a conduit between the American and Irish business communities, Woodbyrne said. “We are hoping to go from 17 chapters to 30,” she said.
The local chapter will likely be established in April or May, run by a board of directors consisting of about a dozen people, Woodbyrne said.
Irish Network’s chapters aim to attract Irish-Americans as well as Irish new to the United States who are trying to get themselves established, she said. Along with commerce, the chapters also work to promote Irish sports in the United States.
At the reception, people lauded the links already in place between Buffalo and Ireland.
“This is not my first visit to Buffalo, and every time I visit, or every time I read something about Buffalo, I think of the depth of the relationships between Ireland and here,” said Ryan. “This is an Irish town.”
Conor Hawkins, manager of D’Arcy McGee’s Irish Pub, is often the first point of contact for newly immigrated Irish people. “It’s OK to meet people on St. Patrick’s Day or on parade day, but this would go far beyond that,” he said of the Irish Network.
“This is tying the Irish and the Irish-American community together strongly,” said Steve Lenox of New Jersey, president of Irish Network USA. “We want to work together and build bridges and, with this organization, get a cross-section of the community and bring everything together under one roof.”
Patrick F. McDevitt, an associate professor in the history department at the University at Buffalo, was particularly interested in a push by the Buffalo Fenians to host the Continental Youth Championships for athletes age 6 to 18 in such Gaelic sports as hurling and Gaelic football. The annual event draws 12,500 people from the United States and Canada, including competitors, family members and spectators. Supporters of the idea say the economic impact of attracting so many out-of-town visitors would be considerable.
The competition has rotated between big cities like New York City, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia. O’Neill said UB is providing some support in the drive to make Buffalo a host city. The soonest the event could be brought to Buffalo probably would be 2017, based on the schedule already set for the coming years, O’Neill said.
“I’d love for the games to come here,” said McDevitt, whose book on sports in the British Empire includes a chapter on the founding of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The organization, founded in 1884, was not only the earliest part of the Gaelic Revival, but also the most successful and longest lasting, McDevitt said.
Members of the Amherst Gaelic League, which supports the Buffalo Fenians, turned out to support the enterprise. “It’s a good partnership,” said League President Dennis P. Lennon of the league’s association with the team. “We especially like that it offers programs for children and gives young people an opportunity to participate in the games.” Bill Cleary, another league official, said, “Promoting Irish culture is one of the cornerstones of the Amherst Gaelic League.”
Ryan said Ireland and the United States already have strong business connections to build on. Irish companies are investing in the United States, while Ireland is home to the European operations of companies like LinkedIn, Twitter, Amazon, Google and Facebook. “This is a two-way exercise,” he said.
An Irish Network chapter can help cultivate more of that activity in a place like Buffalo, Ryan said. For instance, he said Buffalo, due to its growing medical corridor, would be a good fit for the many companies in Ireland that work with life sciences and medical devices. Ryan said the message to those Irish companies would be: “If you go to Buffalo, you don’t need to be a stranger in Buffalo. The Irish people have been there for 200 years. There’s a Gaelic club in Buffalo, there’s an Irish Network there.”
Now, Ryan said, Buffalo is most famous in Ireland for being the site of the 1866 Fenian invasion of Canada, a military strike designed to pressure Britain into freeing Ireland — “which we are very proud of, actually,” he added.
by Deirdre Woodbyrne | Nov 15, 2013 | In The News, Washington DC
By Jane Walsh
Irish Central
Irish Network USA held their first national Board meeting this past weekend in the nation’s capital, kicked off by a reception hosted by Ireland’s Ambassador to the U.S., Anne Anderson.
Highlighting the reception was Ambassador Anderson’s announcement that Irish Network USA was awarded a grant to assist IN-USA in meeting its mission of promoting business, cultural and social ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Anderson welcomed members from across the US and emphasized the support of Irish Government for the mission of IN-USA, “I was delighted to host the IN-USA delegates at a reception at the Irish Embassy in Washington D.C. at the beginning of their weekend-long meeting. The Irish Government is strongly supportive of the development of IN-USA and the expansion of Irish Network chapters across the US. A concrete reflection of that support was a substantial grant, approved by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, from the Irish Government’s Emigrant Support Programme”.
“This national board meeting started a new and exciting chapter for Irish Network USA,” stated Steve Lenox, Co-President. “The support of Ambassador Anderson and her team, the enthusiasm and growing success of our member chapters, and the seemingly non-stop calls from Irish and Irish American leaders in cities across the US are all coming together at the right time to ensure that 2014 is our biggest year yet!”
IN-DC President Brid Ryan, “IN-DC was honored to act as host city for the IN-USA board meeting this weekend. I was personally struck by the individual and collective ambition of our members to reach out and engage with the Irish diaspora and friends of Ireland across the United States. Our continued support from the Department of Foreign Affairs, and specifically our receipt this year of a grant from the Emigrant Support Programme, will enhance our ability to cultivate lasting business, economic and social relationships.”
The two day Board Meeting, held at the Dupont Circle Hotel, included several guest speakers including John McCarthy, Future Civic Leaders; Pat Tully, Ireland Funds; Ciaran Staunton, Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform; and Simon Carswell, Irish Times. Those attending the meeting, representing thirteen chapters from across the U.S., participated in interactive discussions on issues ranging from digital strategies to effective fundraising techniques. The central theme that emerged throughout the weekend was using these new skills not just for networking, but to build a network.
The meeting ended with the announcement that Irish Network USA would hold an even larger Board meeting and conference in Seattle, Washington, September 12-14, 2014.
IN-USA currently has sixteen chapters throughout the U.S. including; Austin, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Colorado, Delaware, Minnesota, Nevada, New Orleans, New Jersey, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. Over the course of the next year IN-USA plans to grow to thirty chapters.
