Looking Back on 2017

Irish Network Minnesota had a great 2017!

Starting with a well-attended meet up for the St. Paul community’s highlight, Red Bull Crashed Ice Saint Paul, United States at the beginning of the year.

Our annual charity effort, MARCH OUT Hunger led by Jamie Flynn, culminated in increased food and monetary donations made to the FINNEGANS Reverse Food Truck at the 2017 St. Paul, St. Patrick’s Day parade.

We also introduced the first of many Irish Film Festivals when IN-MN partnered with the The Film Society of Minneapolis-St. Paul for the 2017 International Film Festival to offer charming Irish film, “ School Life”. The event included a post-film discussion led by, U of M film studies professor, James Snapko, at Keegan’s Irish Pub.

In June, IN-MN also partnered with the Hibernians for the Bloomsday celebration at St. Paul’s beautiful Summit Manor Reception House, which featured Irish transplant, Katie McMahon singing period Irish songs from the Bloomsday era. The event was led by IN-MN Board-members, Martie McMahon and Des Keogh which brought together local celebrities in period clothing, reading from James Joyce’s book, Ulysses.

Throughout 2017 IN-MN also partnered with the ever-popular monthly ceili held at Celtic Junction with music by the amazing Twin Cities Ceili Band.

In August IN-MN board members, Laurie Ingram McCrory and Mary McFarland Brooks volunteered at Irish Fair of Minnesota delicious new culinary masterpiece, Celtic Kitchen featuring Irish chefs preparing foods from Ireland. Other IN-MN board members volunteered throughout the weekend of Irish Fair at the Hospitality and Pub Tents.

In September, IN-MN board-members attended the IN-USA Conference at Chicago’s Drake Hotel. Chapters from throughout the nation gathered and were treated to a rooftop cocktail reception along with dinner boat cruises, an Irish film festival, international soccer games and most importantly presentations by:

• • Irish Ambassador to the US, Dal Mulhall
  • Illinois state senator, Billy Lawless
  • Keynote address by Lord Mayor of Belfast, Nuala McAllister
  • Remarks by Chicago’s Irish Consul General, Brian O’Brien

Presentations also included reports on the Irish Diaspora and how Irish culture, heritage, arts and networking continue to thrive in the US.

IN-MN ended the year attending the Medical Alley conference in Minneapolis and meeting with Irish BioTech companies doing business in Minnesota.

We also gained three new board members, Patrick Kelley, Patrick Duffy and Philip Scanlon along with executive board-member Jane Hall serving as secretary. A new website and membership opportunities are being introduced in 2018.

Join us at Fabulous Ferns Bar & Grill, 400 Selby Ave., St. Paul at 4 pm on January 20th for a pre Red Bull Crashed Ice Saint Paul, United States gathering to learn more about Irish Network-MN.
Bhliain nua sasta (Happy New Year)