Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason Cleveland City Hall October 21, 2022
Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland's Ambassador to the US, was in town for the annual conference of Irish Network USA, the national umbrella organization integrating the Irish Networks that exist in various cities across the United States. Before the reception she joined former US Ambassador to Ireland Ed Crawford at the Irish Cultural Garden in Cleveland.
When the Ambassador arrived at Cleveland City Hall she was greeted by young ladies from St. Joseph Academy.
Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason with St. Joseph Academy girls
Flag of Ireland above Cleveland City Hall
Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason and Ambassador Ed Crawford with St. Joseph Academy girls on the steps of Cleveland City Hall
Ambassador Ed Crawford's green laces and Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason's green shoes
Irish Network USA is the national umbrella organization integrating the Irish Networks that exist in various cities across the United States. The mission of IN-USA is: to bolster business opportunities and economic development between the United States and Ireland; to support and encourage Irish Arts and Culture through film, literature, theater, dance and language; to encourage and promote the mission and expansion of Irish sports, throughout the United States; to support the efforts of local Irish organizations and associations; to serve as a conduit between newly arrived Irish immigrants and their communities in Member cities and states.
The 2022 annual conference was held in Cleveland Ohio and IN-USA Cleveland president Mark Owens welcomed the crowd to a reception for Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland Ambassador to the US, in Cleveland City Hall Rotunda.
Mark Owens
Irish flag in Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
NOTE: All the images below with a white arrow in the middle are videos. (The other images are just photos) You can click on the white arrow to watch the video of whatever is described. Make sure your speakers are on and you can make the video full screen once it begins by clicking the icon in the lower right corner.
Mary Agnes Kennedy led the singing of both the Irish and United States national anthems.
Mary Agnes Kennedy
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb welcomed the crowd to the City Hall Rotunda. Before introducing the Ambassador, Mayor Bibb led a round of applause for the new deal between Cleveland and Aer Lingus for direct flights from Cleveland to and from Dublin.
Mayor Justin Bibb
Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland's Ambassador to the US, gave her keynote remarks and then gave former US Ambassador to Ireland Ed Crawford his dual citizenship passport back.
Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason
Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason and Ambassador Ed Crawford
Then former US Ambassador to Ireland Ed Crawford told of the 7 year effort to get Aer Lingus into Cleveland and non-stop routes between Dublin and Cleveland starting in May 2023.
Ambassador Ed Crawford
Cleveland City Councilman Kerry McCormack and Council President Blaine Griffin gave their welcoming remarks and then presented the Ambassador with a proclamation.
Cleveland City Councilman Kerry McCormack
Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin
Proclamation from City Council
Irish Network USA President Steve Lenox spoke next. This was the Network's 11th annual conference.
Steve Lenox
Everyone wanted to meet and take pictures with the Ambassador during the social hour.
Want to learn about ethnic and cultural events like this? Sign up for the free eNews and every Tuesday evening you will receive a free e-mail listing the next week's events. It's easy and free.
