Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland's Ambassador to the United States, recently joined academic and business leaders at the JFK Library in Boston to reflect on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the historic ties and relationship between the U.S. and Ireland.
The U.S. is holding many events throughout the year to mark the 250th anniversary of its founding. The event at the JFK Library focused on the contribution and history of friendship with Ireland.
The ambassador joined Professor Mary C. Murphy, Director of the Irish Institute at Boston College, to reflect on the enduring Irish-American relationship and Ireland’s contribution to the foundation of the U.S. as well as to its political, economic, cultural and social development over the past 250 years.
Former U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joseph P. Kennedy III introduced the conversation. The event also included a reading by poet and Professor Micheal O'Siadhail of his specially-commissioned poem celebrating 250 years of shared U.S.-Ireland heritage, and an Irish musical performance.
Also in attendance was James Brett, president and CEO of The New England Council, the nation’s oldest regional business organization. The Council recently marked its 100th year of supporting economic development.
Brett’s parents emigrated to the U.S. from Tubbercurry, County Sligo in the 1940s, settled in Dorchester and had six children.
Brett often points to his upbringing in a close Irish family when he talks about his lifelong commitment to charitable work and serving the community. Brett is particularly dedicated to helping improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.
