Taoiseach Launches New Group To Connect US Irish

Irish across the United States are now better connected, thanks to the work of the Irish Network USA (IN USA) which was launched last week by Taoiseach Brian Cowen in San Francisco.

"This is a great day for Irish people right across the US," said IN USA president Aoife Butler. "Until now, there has been no unified grouping that connected individuals across the country.

"With IN USA, that has changed, and we're confident that this is the beginning of a very important link for all Irish people in America for many years to come."

"There is a general goodwill towards the Irish in the US, and we believe that combining this with our collective strengths as individuals makes sense.

"Quite simply, a body like this helps Irish people living in the US both to succeed as individuals and to continue to contribute to the rich relationship that has built up between Ireland and the US."

IN USA is a forum through which individuals from any and all fields can connect through the common bonds of heritage and identity with modern Ireland.

By harnessing the energy of its diverse membership, IN USA aims to strengthen the economic, social and cultural ties between the US and Ireland.

"The idea for an IN USA was first mooted in early 2009, and the initiative was given a boost with the Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh in September last year," said Ms Butler.

"The Irish Ambassador to the United States, Michael Collins, then invited all the Irish Networks from across the country to meet with him and discuss a formal connection. It was this invitation that led to an agreement to set up IN USA."

Irish Networks (IN) are already enjoying success in Chicago, New York, San Francisco/Bay Area, San Diego and Washington DC.

Each was formed with the aim of encouraging Irish networking in their local community; and IN USA takes that objective to the next level by allowing members of the INs to connect to the wider Irish community in the US through a website and national member database.

It allows members of the various INs to connect with their peers, develop relationships that will foster success in their business, economic and social ventures; and broaden their footprint in the US.

IN USA will also be a resource to assist Irish, Irish Americans, and friends of Ireland in other cities to serve their community, and the national connection will allow for greater collaboration and success for all.

Many prominent, influential and successful Irish people have shared their experiences and insights through the INs, and mentored other Irish people to succeed.

IN USA is part of the global Irish community of 70 million worldwide; and consists of an integral Irish community of individuals that work every day in the US to foster goodwill towards the Irish and Ireland, and enhance those international relations that have been so important to the Irish over their nearly 300 years in the US.

Within each industry those people have established networks and the aim of IN USA is to open those industry networks to its members with a view to enhancing their lives and careers.

IN USA strives to be part of the global Irish village that has been integral in allowing Irish people to obtain a competitive advantage in their lives and careers over a long number of years by connecting their members with the opportunities.