America Éire
Charting the crossing…
From the America Éire archive

The Byrne Nason story

Louth, Ireland to District of Columbia, USA · 2017

I'm proud to be Ireland's 19th Ambassador to the United States, and this year, delighted to be celebrating America's 250th anniversary, a milestone that resonates deeply with Irish people.

We've actually been with you since the beginning. Irish men and women participated in your earliest history and were architects of the ideals that would define the USA: unity, resilience, loyalty, and hope. In the decades that followed, hundreds of thousands of Irish men and women have shaped modern America. They built bridges and roads, of course, but also built communities that remained the backbone of this great country. And today I see that contribution over 250 years as extraordinary.

Our relationship is modern. It's dynamic. It's a partnership in the 21st century; Ireland is now the fifth-largest foreign investor in the United States. We support over 200,000 jobs across this country. Our cultural ties go from strength to strength with Irish music, dance, literature, and cinema resonating with new audiences. And at the heart of all of this is a shared sense of community and deep connection.

Ours is a story that continues to evolve. It’s shaped by new generations, confident in their identity, proud of their heritage, and connected to Ireland in a new and exciting way. I’m delighted to share my story, and I strongly encourage you to share yours.