For a guy who gets sick on the Strangford ferry, I took to the inaugural Irish Echo Maritime Awards in New York this past April like a duck to water.
In fact, I was buoyed up that night by the comments of International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O'Brien who was presenting an award to his fellow Massachusetts Port Authority director and CEO Richard A. Davey, Jr.
Reflecting on the oceans of negativity engulfing our media, Sean asked if perhaps we could focus instead on some positives: "like building links between two great countries, America and Ireland".
Before the crystal was handed over on stage, I had my invitation to Sean and Rich to visit Belfast penned. And I'm glad to say that, despite their crazy schedules, both graciously accepted and will kick off their Belfast fact-finding visit this coming Monday.
That thrilling trifecta of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Belfast TradFest and Féile an Phobail in Belfast will form the perfect backdrop for their visit.
A proud Irish American and Bostonian, Sean O'Brien leads 1.4m Teamsters, ranging in profession, as he likes to say, from "a-to-z: airplane pilots to zookeepers".
A straight-shooter, Sean doesn't pull punches when it comes to the corporate giants - internet and logistics behemoth Amazon he brands "a white collar crime syndicate".
I have a feeling that he is going to feel right at home in Belfast.
It's my hope that this visit will benefit both Belfast and Boston while deepening the friendships between Irish America and Belfast which, as Irish Echo readers know only too well, have helped see us through some very tough times.
Engagements lined up for the Teamsters' President over a packed three-day schedule include a meeting with Irish trade union chiefs, a visit to both Belfast City and Belfast International Airports, a tour of Belfast Harbour and a reception hosted by Lord Mayor of Belfast, RóisMåire Donnelly.
And with our green Mardi Gras as a backdrop, I can think of no better time to build, in the words of Pres. O'Brien, those positive links between Ireland and America. AHOY: At the Irish Maritime Awards, the author, Sean O'Brien and Gene O'Flaherty
Pictures show myself, Sean (centre) and our dear buddy Eugene O’Flaherty at the Irish Maritime Awards. Gene planted the seeds for the whole Belfast-Boston love-in back in 2009 when he brought the first Mass State Legislature visit to Béal Feirste. He will be cheering us on next week.
