The Chairman of the NYC St Patrick’s Day Foundation, Hilary Beirne from Rathdiveen in Boyle, was recently honored in Boston with a Golden Bridges Ambassador Award at the 15th annual Golden Bridges conference. The award ceremony hosted by the Consul General of Ireland in Boston, Sighle FitzGerald at the Irish consulate in Boston, was held in conjunction with the Golden Bridges conference which promotes the connection between the United States and the Northwest of Ireland and is supported by Derry City & Strabane District Council, and the Donegal County Council.
Hilary Beirne’s recognition comes as a result of his many years of work promoting Ireland on the international stage with his work with the iconic New York City’s St Patrick’s Day Parade, the Irish Ad Hoc Committee in Washington, DC and with Irish nationals living abroad.
In his introduction remarks, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir – former Lord Mayor of Belfast said, “when you think of the New York’s St Patrick’s Day Parade, you think of Hilary Beirne. He is the man who organizes it, and he is the man to see when you want to participate. Hilary is recognized across the globe for his work with the Parade and in recent years, for his efforts in support of the Good Friday Agreement post Brexit and with the Irish Diaspora. You can expect bigger and better things on the horizon for Hilary”.
Hilary Beirne was presented with the Award by the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councilor Martin Harley. Councilor Harley spoke of the need to improve connectiveness and engagement with those abroad and at home, something that will help the Donegal County Council and Derry City & Strabane District Council, drive economic activity in the Derry – Donegal corridor post Brexit.
“I am absolutely delighted and so honored to receive a Golden Bridge Ambassador Award, and I would especially like to thank the Donegal County Council for their support over the years and for their nomination for this award”, said Hilary Beirne. “Tonight, is about connecting the Northwest with the United States and it affords me the opportunity to speak about the need for real engagement of Irish citizens living abroad, regardless of where they are in the world. Engaging them in a more real and meaningful way, can dramatically improve connectiveness with Ireland. It will help mobilize economic and political goodwill in all parts of the word and drive it towards the Northwest and that is what this conference is all about”.
The conference is a showcase of the very best of the Northwest to an audience of influential Irish American business and political leaders keen to learn more about the region’s offering. Ireland Northwest is exceptionally well placed as an investment hub for business and global companies seeking to establish a gateway to both the UK and EU markets. The region is renowned for its rich tourism, its culture, and its heritage offerings, with an established reputation as a compelling investment proposition. The Keynote speaker at the conference was Joseph Kennedy III, U.S. Special Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland.
