Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland's Ambassador to the US, in Cleveland

 What a weekend it was.  The new Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America - Geraldine Byrne Nason came to Cleveland for the weekend.

The Ambassador just completed five years as Ireland’s Ambassador to the United Nations, most recently during Ireland’s term serving on the Security Council as an elected member, working for international peace and security.

Before the reception she joined former US Ambassador to Ireland Ed Crawford at the Irish Cultural Garden in Cleveland.

She was then the guest of honor at a reception in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall. 

Blaine Griffin, Brian Kazy, Chris Ronayne, Ambassador Byrne Nason,
Mayor Bibb, Kerry McCormack and Ambassador Crawford

On Saturday she gave a powerful keynote address at the Irish Network USA annual conference.  IN-USA is the national umbrella organization integrating the Irish Networks that exist in various cities across the United States. 

Of course she visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and other sites.

See lots of photos and videos from the Ambassador's visit to Cleveland.

2012 Irish Walks of Life Awards

Sister Kathleen Kilbane

Every year since 1997, members of the Irish American community are honored for their contributions. Their achievements bring pride to the Irish American community. Past honorees are a veritable Who's Who of Irish success stories. This year's class is certainly no exception.

The Irish American Archives Society produces the annual Walks of Life Awards dinner.

In 2012, Michael Cleary, Edward Crawford, Sister Kathleen Kilbane, CSJ and Janice Murphy were honored.

Pics and videos from the 2012 Irish Walks of Life Awards

(Don't miss Janice Murphy's Top Ten reasons she loves being Irish)