July 2014 - News about Ireland
Ireland topped a new “Good Country Index”, designed to measure how much 125 different countries contribute to the common good globally. In a separate study by the Oracle Capital Group, Ireland ranked as the most entrepreneurial country in Europe.
Gerry Conlon, one of the Guildford Four, died at the age of 60. Conlon spent 15 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of a 1974 bombing. Kevin Cullen of the Boston Globe wrote about his friendship with Conlon, whose story was immortalised in the movie “In The Name of the Father”.
The new issue of Comóradh, the newsletter for the Irish abroad focusing on the decade of commemorations at home, includes reports on the keynote address by Atlanta Congressman John Lewis in Dublin and on the state visit to Great Britain of President Michael D Higgins.
Ireland is on course for its fourth consecutive year of tourism growth in 2014, with visitors from North America up 5% on last year.
Global Atlanta confirmed plans by Irish company Jinny Software to open a new US office in Sandy Springs in Atlanta, creating 25 jobs. Meanwhile, a new $172 million venture capital fund has been established in Ireland, with support from Lightstone Ventures and Enterprise Ireland.
Nominations are now open for the Science Foundation Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Medal, awarded to an Irish scientist, engineer or technology leader working in the US. The call for nominations closes on July 25.
The White House announced the nomination of Kevin O’Malley as the next US Ambassador to Ireland.
Broadcaster Jerome Quinn reported from Atlanta’s Peach Cup, hosted by Clan na nGael, who emerged triumphant to take the camogie title. Charlotte’s James Connolly GAA Club took home the men’s and women’s football prizes, while Orlando took the honours in the hurling.
And as the Gaelic football and hurling championships heat up in Ireland, the full GAAGO service was launched to bring games live to supporters worldwide.
Upcoming Events
An exhibition entitled “We Cast Shadows” by acclaimed Irish artist Mark Garry opens at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park in Charleston on Saturday July 12 and runs until Sunday August 24. The exhibition is supported by Culture Ireland.
The sixth annual Baton Rouge Irish Film Festival in Louisiana will take place on Friday July 18 and Saturday July 19. You can purchase tickets here.
And mark your calendars for Thursday September 11, when the Irish Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta will host Don Panoz, founder and former CEO of the Élan Corporation. Keep an eye on http://www.irishchamberofatlanta.com for more information.
If there are Irish events you’d like us to highlight in future newsletters, please Contact Us.
There will be no Consulate newsletter in August. Enjoy the summer and we will see you again in September!