#GoldenBridges

REBUILDING TOGETHER www.aisling-events.com Connecting Boston, Massachusetts and Irish America with Northwest Ireland NOVEMBER 20, 2020

This year’s annual Golden Bridges Conference and Awards ceremony will be held virtually on 20th November when political leaders, business, community representatives and education providers from Ireland North West and Boston will join together to further bind their relationship despite dealing with the COVID pandemic.

This year’s transatlantic conference will be hosted virtually from the historic Guildhall in Derry featuring a range of speakers and delegates from the US and Ireland who will discuss issues including COVID and Brexit. The Golden Bridges Conference will give the US audience a unique insight into how those living and working in the border region of Derry, Strabane and Donegal are collaborating to prepare for Brexit.

– SPONSORS – www.irishecho.com / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / Page 16 W Message from Ireland NW Mayors NW Ireland from Message T en okd n eet ots by months recent in rocked been has world The shared challenges. these economic of face the in regions both in done being work positive the sharing theirexperiences. the Atlantic, the of sides both from sectors commercial at and cultural community, predominately Conference, with speakers from various feature current the will with Brexit for preparing and pandemic dealing in NW region Ireland the by faced challenges the says Donaghey Rena Cllr Council collaboratively inpreparation of Brexit. working of midst the in pandemic the Derry, of and Donegal Strabane are dealing with region border West North Ireland the in working and living those how into insight unique a audience US the give will Conference the hopes he one from another and share learn experiences. He says to commitment two real the between regions remain steadfast and there is a links COVID pandemic, the with dealing despite that says Tierney Brian Cllr Council District relationship. join together to further bind their strong to BostonWestand North Ireland from representatives and education providers Awards community business, leaders, political and for opportunity perfect a is ceremony, Conference Bridges Council believe this year’s virtual Golden Golden Bridges Faces Into Brexit Divide Brexit FacesInto Bridges Golden ik bten otn between Boston, between links extensionoftheirnative place. otn hm aa fo hm, an home, from away home a Boston mostappropriate startingpoint. at n h pann, t ol b the be would it planning, the in part start as any.asstart abr ol b a a od pae to place a good a as be would Harbor bridge from America to Ireland, Boston Ireland, to America from bridge motne f h tastatc link transatlantic morevital.growstheall the of importance reassurance.alland able uncertainty, this in the face of any of face the in thisuncertainty, able pass there begins a period of consider- of period a begins there pass consternation. Brexit, Covid-19, of consequence a as virtual going and Derry in based ence confer- the with of year, This subject discussion. a been has Brexit Boston, Massachusetts. and Boston Northwest, Ireland's in linking Atlantic border the across the spans and Ireland, across on spans - focused spans has Golden conference the decade Bridges a than more For o srrsnl, s gi a ujc of conversation- and not subjecta small degree of a again is surprisingly, not She says: “We will be highlighting be will “We says: She An Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Strabane and City Derry of Mayor They are not alone of course, but the butcourse, of alone not are They h Iih ae og considered long have Irish The f ybls ad eiae a any had heritage and symbolism If f o wr gig o ul a literal a build to going were you If the uncertainty, such amid And OnceBrexit comes tofinally and fully in the During most gatherings recent e ao o Dry iy and County Donegal City of Cathaoirleach An Derry and Council District of Strabane Mayor he LOETO ELCOME By Ray O’Hanlon Ray By T u rgoa ofrn t delegates to across offering the Atlantic. It is more important regional our to profile platform and initiatives a these showcase as serve will Bridges community Golden and months and recent in leaders businesses our of strategic resilience extraordinary the seen have We areas. unique many across co-operation and unity and demonstrating partnership, unprecedented strong and a spearheaded has Covid-19 region the the Brexit, by of posed challenges face the about good is Ireland Northwest to a US audience. that “In all showcase to opportunity the is Bridges Golden the this at audience time.” online challenging wider a with and connect community business West North the of voice the amplify to different a stage, it will still a provide vital chance occupy will event have year's we this While years. the over partnerships established an of network strong the providing augment and connections diary, to forge business valuable opportunity uncertain business current our in a date key always is Conference Bridges the Golden The climate. economic share to through forum getting in us assist a will that learnings providing and partners with our tandem transatlantic in NW working by that the believe We region. for ambitions our progress can we how into insight valuable a us sincerely we and offer will Bridges Golden the that hope level global a on felt are repercussions the and COVID huh hs er o i is favorite its in venue:Boston's Hotel.Seaport not year this though all of go, the on years twelve now links these celebration and endorsement exchange. and emotional, physicalinterms of tradeand economic social, cultural, Isle: Emerald the andState Bay the between out,permanent,special. very stand- are Ireland and Massachusetts, initial flight in New York in 2007 but very ucl to wn nrhad o t first its to northward wing took quickly the 2010 Golden Bridges gathering. He gathering. Bridges Golden 2010 the Irish the in figure cornerstone and Hibernians of Order Ancient the of ber of the late Dave Burke, a standout mem- York,Dublin. and Belfast 2019 with a contributory input from New where it convened in all the years up to Center Trade World and Hotel the Seaport to year following the moved ence Murphys. Dropkick band the of Casey Ken and Meehan former Marty as congressman varied as were Those individuals company. one and individuals ten to presented were awards Bridges F. Kennedy where Library eleven Golden John the at 2008, in gathering, Boston American community in Massachusetts. HE Mayor Tierney Mayor says Tierney a key ofelement h Gle Bigs ofrne took conference Bridges Golden The annual an Bridges, Golden Hence bridges many are there such, As And Lawrence, Massachusetts, home confer- the space sacred that From uk hd asd o ln before long not passed had Burke 2020 G OLDEN egahc oain ht a the says, the region’s has talent and skills base, He markets. both into that tap to unique potential this location from geographic benefit can they are how who on more out finding in audience interested American the to interest huge of be unique will location border region’s Mayor the believes post-Brexit. Tierney position Donegal’s and unique Derry/Strabane and West North Ireland of location border the cross strategic the from be will conference message key a strengths, and region’sresilience the showcasing our extend we development." economic forregional that connections to incite new opportunities ever than ference in 2013. The reason was a posi- a was reason The 2013. in ference con- no be would there though lowed participant. conference 2010 a also was Walsh, Marty mayor, future mayor,a former the as well As Vatican. the to ambassador U.S. and Boston of mayor former Flynn, Raymond Southie, of son legendary a to Pat, wife, Dave’s by presented the was as Award) Burke familiar Dave more become would Northeast.” the in periodicals and memorabilia books, media, Irish of Hibernian collections Lawrence of largest one the houses and South which Library, the Branch Room at Collection Irish Irish the the also of and Inc., Lawrence, of Foundation president the was and He Lawrence. founder of city the Month in was Heritage Irish he annually trating culture, orches- and and organizing in of instrumental history supporter Irish enthusiastic division An the on level. as well as boards ty various in coun- and state officer national, on capacities an as served and Ancient years 40 over for Eight, Hibernians of Order Division a of was “Burke Irish member write: Boston would the of Reporter Forry Ed Of gathering. Burke, Library JFK following the at the year spoken had and event 2007 the in honored been had himself Massachusetts and Irish America and Massachusetts REBUILDING TOGETHER REBUILDING e de ta i adto t the to addition in that added He Other Golden Bridges gathering fol- gathering Bridges Golden Other (it Award Burke David inaugural The with Northwest Ireland Northwest with Connecting Boston, Connecting B RIDGES C business and political leaders. two the bringingtogetherinfluentialbyregions in initiatives education and community,varioushighlightbusiness, andBoston, Massachusetts andalso to partnerships between Ireland Northwest November from08:30to14:00EST. . 20 Friday on Derry, Guildhall, the from in live broadcasting virtually, Council place take will County It events. Aisling with partnership Donegal and by Derry City and Strabane District coordinated Council jointly is Conference to workcollaboratively.” continue and relationships our cement nae ih u clege and colleagues further to Atlantic our the across partners with engage this re- to us that allow will conference confident virtual are we in meet person, can’t we that disappointing is it While region. West North Ireland of potential the realise can we US, the in connections diaspora and political, cultural educational, our with links for point positive very our selling with and investment strong very a has programmes. support business to accessibility our as well as our cultural compatibility and North West is a very strong selling point Ireland in studying and working living, those forlife of quality superb the that inward for position investment. strong very a and competitive cost location, puts it in connectivity digital super its as well as context of Brexit. of context the in transpires soon whatever of less regard- hoped, be to is it and, map the on are lines of regardless ventures, eco- nomic Northwest and business joint island’s new spurring the in ties coun- between ties ancient where one the Ireland, new the to Northeast U.S. the and Boston, Massachusetts, links Atlantic. the of sides both from initia- leaders together bringing by education this tives, and business, nity, commu- highlighting by States Northwest and United Northeast the between partnerships Capital promote to is conference AEW of Management. President Lenihan, Maureen Vice was winner The England. 2019 New of Center Cultural Irish Director, Barrett, Dave was winner Award Burke Dave 2018 with The venue. the association of this decade and a Hotel marked Seaport the at based Era.” New a in Alliances “New of theme the to worked and Hotel Seaport the at Atlantic. the bridging his his and event both the for out work organizing ruled there duties Belfast and of Mayor Lord as serving was Muilleoir, Ó Máirtín Bridges, Golden of convener prime The however. one, tive W frl blee ht u region our that believe firmly “We believes Donaghey Cathaoirleach odn rde am t promote to aims Bridges Golden Virtual Bridges Golden The rde ae ik. odn Bridges Golden links. are Bridges As it year,is every of the purpose the again was Bridges Golden 2018, In 2014 in reconvened conference The ONFERENCE Page 17 / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / www.irishecho.com is the Mayor of Boston Martin J. "Marty" Walsh Boston Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. There is so much we can We look forward to the day when again live up to our highest ideals. And we’re committed to supporting peace and unity in Ireland, too. We have so much toanother. learn from one accomplishAnd the Goldentogether. Bridges Conference is a tremendous efforts. those kickstart opportunity to we can meet in person once again. Until then, take care, be safe, and be well. We need to build a more just, This year’s conference is also a In recent years, our world has President-leadershiptheUnderof our country, and indeed our world.We shouldn’t go normal. back We to need the to create oldbetter normal. a new, compassionate world, ispeoplethe wellbeingof andhealth where the prioritized above These ideas anything will be echoed else.this year’s duringconference. We’ll discuss recoverystrategiespublichealthand innovations. We’ll discuss the role of the arts and how we can supportinstitutions. our We’ll cultural talkparallels about between the pandemicand the climate crisis, and the how COVID-19 embedded sustainability in all of planning efforts. our long must term be chance responsibility we all have to toaddress systemic talk xenophobia, and to promote racism, aboutjustice and progress everywhere. the to faced setbacks. resist We’ve anti-immigrant of seen form the in division, social rhetoric, walls building of talk and community, narrow and hardening borders. visions elect of Biden, the ready Unitedto move forward Statesand to once is It’s a relationship based not only in only not based relationship a It’s Donegal, Derry, and communities A rich tradition of cultural, The opportunity to share ideas, This is a historic turning point for shared heritage, but also in shared values and shared future. hopesI’ve visited the for region many the times. given Northwest have throughoutthe an enormous innovation, and human capital wealth to the of world, including Boston. culture, political, and economic between our two exchange regions the confront continues all we as now, And today. COVID-19 pandemic, we should draw on the relationships we’ve built. and work together is Right ever. now in greater Boston, and in the than United States, we’re deciding what kind of future we want to have. By Marty Walsh

As cities and towns all over the I want to extend my deepest While we miss being I’m together,

important right now. Northwest of Ireland is especially we’ve built between Boston and the community. The strong connections support one another as a global worldconfront thiscrisis, needtowe themselves. anyone who is battling the illness a loved one to COVID this year, and sympathiesto everyone who has lost showing at the first-ever virtual event. event. virtual first-ever the at showing proud that we still have such a strong a such have still we that proud Boston. we haven’t held it in person here in This is the first time since 2008 that year’s Golden Bridges Conference. Thank you all for joining us for this

are still standing

our bridges Despite Despite challenges, www.irishecho.com / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / Page 18 2020 GOLDENBRIDGESHONOREES Province of Jesuits from 2005 to 2012. From 2000 to 2005, High School in Lynn, Massachusetts for six years. atHigh,BC Grace served Headasof School atSt.Mary’s equityand inclusion to BC High. Prior to her appointment of knowledge and a commitment to social justice,a change agent diversity, and results oriented. She brings a lifetime of BC High School in May of 2018. Grace is mission driven, AdvancementCommunicationsand forEnglandNewthe school. She completed a $20M campaign for St. Mary's as creating an operational business model and a data-driven Massachusetts. Grace was missioned as the 28th President she concluded her tenure in December 2018. Grace served Grace Regan s h Eeuie ietr n Poica Assat for Assistant Provincial and Director Executive the as all-boysJesuitschool, forgrades 7-12, located Boston,in female President of Boston College High School Catholicin and 2017, JesuitEducation, an to committed Grace leader Cotter and learner Regan lifelong A was named the first Boston College High School President Christine Kinealy Boyle Brendan eiltr, aig hm h frt rtes o serve to brothers first the them making legislature, years later his brother, Kevin, legislative Two district.was his representalso everelected toDemocrat to the state Harvard Pennsylvania from state legislature in 2008, becoming graduated the first master'sa degree inPublic Policy. later Hewas elected tothe and University’sJohnKennedyF. School ofGovernment Dame with Notre of University the attended he college, attend to family immigrant, school ancrossing hismotherafirsthisguard. wasinThe of son The Congressman Philadelphia.Boyle’s father janitorwasa for SEPTA of and city the inraisedand born was BoyleCongressman BrendanF. U.S.House of Representatives nvriy Truh vbat eis f conferences, of series vibrant a Through University. founding the Director appointed Ireland’sof Great wasHunger Institute Quinnipiacat she 2013, In University. Drew at programGraduate Studies Irish the develop to words (2018). Christine moved to theown his InIreland.United publication,andFrederick Douglass the States to in leading2007 Douglass, Frederick including century, experiences of abolitionists who visited Ireland in the 19th Irish language version, ‘A Droch Shaol’ (2016). during children the of Great experiences Hunger, the on entitled, based ‘The novel Bad graphic Times’a or, in its Calamity. The Great Famine in Ireland Christine’s(1994 and 2007)award-winning and publications include, Thisin theGreat American Congress on the Great Hunger in Ireland. audiences in both in the British Houses of Parliamentinvited to speak to invited wasand she 1997, Inmovement. Ireland, with a focus on themodern Greaton extensivelypublished Hungerhas Christine Dublin, and the Abolitionin College Trinity at PhD her completing Since Jersey. has lived and worked in Belfast, Dublin,Now Liverpoola resident and ofNew Connecticut, Professor Christine Kinealy Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT Chair Institute of Ireland’s Great Hunger, Duringtenure,her focusedshe operationalon vitality, Duringthe last decade, her research has explored the doae fr okn fmle b adesn wage addressing stagnation, by job insecurity, familiesand the future workingof work. for advocates on Committee Caucus”Collarwhich“Bluethe co-chair founderofand House the the is Boyle Congressman Government. and Oversight and Foreign Committee House the Affairs on Oversight served previously He Budget. Subcommittee Subcommittee, Security HouseCommitteethethethereof.onserveson also He Social Revenue and Subcommittee, Select the serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, and on fully enclosed within the City of Philadelphia. He congressionalPennsylvaniacurrentlyis2nddistrictofwhich the beelected to Congress. pulledoff anupset win over three better funded rivals to togetherin the state House. In 2014, Congressman Boyle respectively, and a rescue dog, Cúchulainn. children,Siobhán andCiarán, bornDublinin andBelfast officially recognized now is as route The National This journey. the Famine on Way. died themChristine had two on 600 Over1847. in Canada to sent were whotenants Irelandto Dublin, following in the footsteps of 1,490 poor undertook a 100-mile walk from Roscommon in the west of Homecoming International with the city where she lived Belfast between 1987 and 1992. a Ambassador,continuingtiesrecognitioncloseher ofin named was IrishDiaspora.”Greatthe“TheHunger2018,sheand In received Christine 2017, an Emmy In for America. her Irish contribution in women toinfluential the documentary, the Irish America Hall of Fame and named one of educatorsthe mostin Irish America. In 2014, she was inducted into year-olds. In 2013, Christine was named an one providesof the whichimmersiontop course100 Jersey,Irish inhistory and culture17- tofor4 New in Scoil Gael annual justice. of way social to relating a issues about people younginforming as history, particularly education, using of society, in both inequalities historically economic and security and food today. hunger, of Christine Institute is a champion the lectures, provides a forum and for understanding publications exhibitions,the perennial problems Bartley and Luke. incrediblesons,two havewheaten terrierSeamus.They their and alumnus, College Boston and retiredbroker produce a Bernie, husband her with MA Roxbury, West sociology.theologyandin BA in lives Gracea with 1982 Vermont; and graduated of University cum thelaude fromfrom administration Boston education higherCollege in and affairs student in Education of Master a Theology; BostonministrytheCollegefromMinistrySchool andof at the Catholic University of Notre for Dame; a Master Center Catholic of LeadershipArts infrom Roche pastoralthe Mendoza School of Business the LeadershipBostonat College. ofearnedShe certificatea in the of Cohort graduate a Emmaus is Grace extensively America. traveled Central through has and America Central Belize, Dame Academy. Cross, Holy SimmonsUniversity, the MountAlvernia Academy ofNotre and College Foundation, Library Public mission-driven fundraising and stewardship at the Boston advancement,communications, brandmanagement and education,relations,university of field the to dedicated Alumni Association. The lion’s share of her shecareer served hasas thebeen Executive Director of the Boston College Nowinhis third term, Congressman Boyle represents In 2019, Christine was one of five Famine historians who an at teacher volunteer a been has she 2011, Since She also served as a JesuitalsoaSheInternationalserved as Volunteer in Page 19 / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / www.irishecho.com $34M+ D O N A T E D T O I R E L A N D N O R T H & S O U T H 500+ S C H O O L S + P R O G R A M S 30,000+ I R E L A N D ‘ S F U T U R E L E A D E R S S A Y T H A N K Y O U W W W . I R I S H A P . O R G . P A . I R I S H W W W

American Partnership partner is a proud

promoting community, community, Golden Bridges, promoting

oin us and clearly see the direct impact of your philanthropy at at philanthropy your impact of see the direct oin us and clearly of The Irish business, and educational partnerships between between partnerships business, and educational Northwest. and Ireland’s the Northeast Honor your heritage while empowering the children of Ireland, North and South. We encourage encourage We and South. North Ireland, of the children while empowering heritage your Honor ]SYXSGLSSWIEWTIGMǻGWGLSSPGSQQYRMX]SVVIKMSREGVSWWXLIMWPERHEWXLIVIGMTMIRXSJ]SYV success. in their giving. Be a true partner J Follow us @irishamericanpartnership Follow www.irishecho.com / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / Page 20 2020 GOLDENBRIDGESHONOREES Senator Nick Collins Nick Senator Burke Steve Frank Baker graduateBostonofLatin School Babsonand College. He focusing on core issues that impact 2010,ussince all.HillBeacon onBorn foughthard Collinshas andNick raised MassachusettsState Senate non-profit and marketing development, business of decades has He activities. cultural other and dance and preservation thepromotion directsof Irish culture he through where sports, England, music, literature,New ExecutiveSteveis DirectorIrishCulturalthe ofCentre of IrishCultural Centre of New England ExecutiveDirector and Services Neighborhood City, Redistricting, and Committee. Audit Furthermore, Post he is a and member of Committeethe CommitteesDevelopment on Census Transportation Committee, Small Business and Workforce & Special Events Committee. serves as Chair of the City Council’s Arts, Culture, Tourism,VeteransCouncilor2020,benefits.ofBakercurrently As development,drug treatment reform andimprovement of of leadership voice and a collaboration been ontheCouncil has for economic Frank End. South the and Boston district includes most of Dorchester and a portion of Southfor the people of his district and theelected city on Novemberof Boston 8, 2011, andsince. he has Hisworked Councilor tirelessly tenured servingthepeople second-longestofBoston theonCityCouncil. wasHe the is Baker Frank City Councilor, Boston City Council Charlestown in the 1970s, as well as in the administrationsfather, Jim Collins, served as the state representative from theirdaughter Justine. withBostonSouth in liveLiff, J. OliviaDr. wife, his and six of one as family large a in up grew Nick Boston, in atan early age as well. Her uncle Jim Thohig represented mother, Mary McCarthy Collins, became a political activist of Boston Mayor Kevin White and Governor Ed King. Nick’s a He’s Collins. McCarthy Mary and Jim of children Kathy Savage h hs inse frtad h dsrmnto o the of discrimination the firsthand witnessed has she NortherntripstoIrelandmademorethan20 haswhere membera theofLynn chapter IrishofNorthern Aid.She of her LAOH sisters to join her in this cause. Kathleen wasto prisoners in Northern Ireland and has encouragedovertheyearshaswritten Christmas andbirthdaymany cards IrelandChristmas Appeal for over 30 plus years. Katheen workedtirelessly forLAOHandAOHtheFreedom forAll LAOH State Board and the LAOH National Board. SheMassachusetts hasthe LAOH; Board County Essex the MA; AllIreland LAOHChairlady forDivision 10,LAOH Lynn,in Essex the County Board and LAOH. Kathleen LAOH has served 10 as Freedom Division for of positions elective Lynn,in foryears.MA38 Kathy hasserved numerousin Kathleen Savage has been a member of Division 10 LAOH Member, Division 10 LAOH He is also Vice Chair of the Planning, Development and ulc evc hs las en n iks lo. His blood. Nick’s in been always has servicePublic Secular Franciscan Order Church Fraternity. the to belongsSavage Ms. Society.Paul13. de Vincent Eucharistic Minister and is a member of Sacred SacredHeart’sHeartParishLynn, in whereMA, a servessheas St. of member a is Kathyaward. this receive to YorkState behalf of FFAI, and was the first woman from outside givenNewbyDivision AOHAlbany,in5 NY,for her efforts on many personal herfriends. among others countless and Ferris, Martin McCafferty, Damian O’Hare, Rita McGuinness, late Martin the Adams, Gerry counts She known. well is she AOH and LAOH on several trips to Northern Ireland wherethe ofmembers with traveled hasSavage families.Ms. theseofmany ofhomes thestayed hasin she times At friendswithmanymembers theseofprisoners’ families. become has Maghaberry,and and Crumlin Kesh, Long British Government against Irish families. LawSchool. and graduated from Holy Cross College and New Boston, England Network Irish Irish and (BIBA) Association BostonBusiness of member active an is He and teens.Belfast Boston among awareness and engagement civic and leadership skills instill to sport of power the using an Belfast, Program, with agreement City Sister Boston's Empowerment ofoffshoot Youth Belfast to Boston the directs and founded development Steve Partnership. Sports MA business a as executivemajoratBoston lawfirmsPresidentand theof including experience, the proud parents of 14-year old twins. He resides in Savin Hill with his wife, twelfthTodaychild of John and Eileen Elaine.Baker's thirteen Theychildren. are member of the CWA/Boston Typographical forUnion.State andLocalGovernment, Heremains andheproud isa the Harvard Kennedy School Senior the Executiveofgraduate a is He Boston.Fellowsof citizens affectingthe program a strong independent voice to bear on the toughest issues of Dorchester, he brings his passion for his low-incomecommunityskilled workers Boston. inlifelongand A resident years of work ethic and understanding of the 20+pressuresbringing2010, until 1987 onfrom DepartmentPrinting Bostonof City theforworkedproudly He printingtrade. Bosco TechnicalDon from Highgraduated School He inBoston. 1986 ofwhere heCity studiedthe thein services residents benefit from the development in our City. (NJT),appointed by the Mayor, to ensure that low income a member of the City of Boston’s Neighborhood Jobs TrustVeteran & Military Affairs, and Ways and Means.VeteransAffairs,GovernmentOperations, Health, Public He is also oe f oenet n nuig qaiy jsie and justice equality, ensuringopportunity for all. This is in what he fights for government every day. of role equalbelieveswork.He deeply public inservicethe and forpayreceiveequalwomen legislationthatsupport so South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. and was proud to organizations.He has worked to ensure LGBT inclusion in serveson the Senate Ways &Means Committee. chair of the Legislature’s Boston Delegation,past a and also currently is Committee.HealthPublicHe the ofChair JointCommittee ExportonDevelopment, theViceandis elected to the State beingSenate before Representativesin 2018. ofHe currently House Massachusetts Chairs the campaignin 2008. Obama-Biden the for director field regional a also was He Hart.Jack longtimeSen.state to aide an asservice South Boston in the 1960s. Nick got his own start in public Shewas arecipient of the Father John Murphy award visitednumerousprisonersoccasionshasinOnshe The NJT monies are used to fund jobs and job training ik a be hnrd y eea community several by honored been has Nick the in years 8 served Nick 2010, in elected First Page 21 / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / www.irishecho.com

www.irishecho.com / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / Page 22 Connemara Gaels Connemara Boston. “The Gaels” origins lie with emigrantsSouth ColumbiainRoad, Doggin’sfromon Pub inConnemara held meetingwasfirst the1961, and the club still Boston’soldest andmostsuccessful clubs, TheConnemara of Gaels.Founded one in with welcome generous a found have Boston to emigrantsCountless made up of playersofmadeupmembers and cornersfromall Ireland. FromofGalway to holds strong connections to the area. However over the years, the club has been Dublin and Antrim to Kerry, many who have traveled to the Boston area haveBostonareathetraveled have to Kerry,who many to Antrim Dublin and found a home with the Gaels. A family club, the famous green and white jerseys have passed from father to son and generationshavepassedandfathersonfrom toAll have supportedclub. the comers, whether they be Boston natives or arrivals from Ireland, have joined the n otn Te al hv wn h Bso Sno Fobl Championship 5 Football Senior Boston the won have Gaels The Boston. in ranks,and asresulta The Gaels has one of the strongest home base of players times,with the most recent coming in 2013. Mark Porter Mark hno, ai, n Cno. Mark Connor. and Katie, Shannon, wifeGeraldine threehadandchildren his married Mark Boston, in settled Statesbefore settling Boston.in United Once the across locations in various construction from worked over he came Ireland, first Mark When UnitedStates in the1987 at the age of 20. to immigrated Ireland, from Donegal hailing originally Porter Mark IrishPastoral Centre, Boston Director 2020 GOLDENBRIDGESHONOREES tutrd o ep hm ih any face may they with that burdenfinancial them help to structured a with dealing cancerdiagnosis.organization This is currently are who APT organization that called strives non-profit to aid a families is APT Chance.Fighting organization based Aiobheen’s Pink Tie, to create a Boston partnership with an Irish charity called 2013, InMark co-founded hiscancer cancer. charity in combat to money organizations raising cancer withmultiple 12 worked in and run Marathon has Boston Mark years, 14 last the Over Marathon. Boston first his same the faced cancer fight. had In April of 2006, Mark who ran people Markknewwantedhe cancer,givetoback to of survived Having rounds diagnosis. various chemotherapyto overcome his and cancer surgery underwent Mark 2005, of March In Non- Hodgkin's Lymphoma with diagnosedat the age of was 38. 2005 he in when shaken was world Mark’s ownerandfather businessyoung 3ofchildren, a As foundation. successful its since been has company the and co-founder his with corporation thenstartwenttohisconstructionon Padraic McLaughlin Padraic got involved with Donegal Boston right away as a playerinvolvedgotDonegalawithBoston awayright as construction the in working industry busy and I am now residing been in Quincy with have my family. I I where ago years 10Boston to moved Donegal.I Buncrana,Co. nameMyPadraicis LaughlinMc originallyamandI from GAA Manager-DonegalBoston Sr Joseph Burke Joseph lbl xotr o io ad te, uooie, and automobiles,various consumerproducts. steel, Twelve experience ofyears and iron Wald, of in exporters for global with working D.C., concentration Washington Analyst in Ross, & Trade a Harkrader in International with M.B.A. Marketing. an Business with 1987 International in George University the Washington from Graduated Marketing. Food in B.S. a with 1978 in UniversityJoseph's St. fromGraduated BusinessDevelopment DeputySecretary of the Office of International in sales, market research, and business planning withplanningbusiness and research, market sales, in w CG opne Tte ad rf, n market and Kraft, and Tetley companies CPG two Rrsearchcompanies S.A.M.I PhiladelphiaandIRIin and built an Irish and famine funded memorial friends on Deer and Mark 2018, Irish presentatthe forefront ofhis work. In and past people the Irish all of the memory keeping with Boston, in community has closely he as worked roots his remember to Bostonto Ireland. Mark has continued between forth and back teamsbring alongsideMarktoablebeenPAL has Boston. and Ireland in between peopleyoung bridge Police a build to Boston League) Athletic (Police the PAL with partnering with worked has closely He chance. fighting be a to that capacity successful the and that everyone believes deserves has everyone Mark Boston community. the within successful be to embrace,uplift, and encourage others organizations outside to withworked collaborated and has community. He Boston the within partnerships build his to continued has Through Mark work, charity cancer. with dealing families from away stress everyday organizationan takeisstrivesthat to or payment something phonesmallbill.aas as mortgage It monthly a during their cancer battle, whether it is growbigger and stronger with each year. DonegalthatdefendtitleandBostonourtocontinues to an history, club’s back the on the field next in year with rest time of theget GAAto first iscommunityhope extremely Myof. proudachievementam I the for year last bringingBostonwellasAmericanNorthas backthe title in here Championship wins back to back secured have managerseniortheofteam. Since taking thisroleonwe the as overtook ago years 3 andboard more thejoinedclub, became I years the involvedadministrativethewith Over things ofwithinsidethe teams. junior the for onr’ lret vres ewr o 2 tae and trade 23 investmentconsultancy offices. of network the overseas of largest one country’s and Network, Export regional state’s the Pennsylvania’s of International Commonwealth Business program overseeing staffa theof 14, for Secretary Deputy the been has Burke Mr 2015, Sinceinvestors. foreign-basedformarketattractive anPennsylvania as promote Pennsylvaniaworkedtoforeign investmentdirectandteam Eastern the joined Middle Burke Mr. and 2009, In African markets. the and Australasia to wasgiven additional responsibility for export promotion he years,ensuing and 2000 CommencingAmerica..in Latinstate’sandCanadapromotion thetrade effortsin the overseeing Group Americas Director, to promoted DirectorTradeforDevelopment. Mr.1997, InBurkewas Officeof International Business Development as Deputy YorkNew City.1990,Mr.In Burkejoined Pennsylvania’s wouldnot be where he is today. community,Irishthe Mark ofsupport and guidance, help, the all without that we are all in this together and that on the streets of Boston. Mark believes to hear an Irish accent on every corner Irish community in Boston. He is proud and away.proudmemberatheMark isof far salvation, so seems home when comfort, sanctuary of place keepIrishthecommunity Boston ina is Mark theIrishPastoral Center andworksto Irish Boston. the DirectorsBoardofcurrentlyofthe on in for Home” community from “Home a away creating Center Pastoral workedalsohasclosely Irishwiththe Mark Boston. in men, Irish forfoundation Irish those women, and of children who had laid the project dreams and the and partnerswanted to honor the sacrifice Mark America. many for tocoming waydreamsof hadothers who the paved had that generation Irish the and peopleIrish the commemorate to wanted Mark graves,theirfromvoyageAmerica.to unmarked in buried are that people Irish1100Irishand1800thatdiedthe ofmemoryIsland.memorialinThe is Page 23 / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / www.irishecho.com www.irishecho.com / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / Page 24 Mayor,Derry Strabane& District Council CllrBrianTierney rxt ol udrie h Go Friday Good the undermine would Brexit MLA SDLP an is McLaughlin Sinéad SDLP MLA McLaughlin Sinead Brandywell Boxing in interest an has and the at night Friday a on club hometown his on cheer to getting enjoys fanand City keenDerry a is Brian Ben. and Mary-Kate Shane, Cian, children four have Bloody Policing. Community on son the on spokesper- Trust.SundaySDLP the is Brian representative Centre the also SDLP's Resource is He Committee. Carnhill Management North and Group Residents Outer Galliagh initiative, Streets Community the On the Team, Safety Community Board, Neighbourhood North Renewal Outer the on currently sits He organisations. local in involved several heavily is He basis. full-time a on community local the in works and ice working years. Bonfire several for group led Council has the and chaired 2014 since PCSP Strabane and Derry the of member a been also has Brian on the Health and Communities committee. and seat Environment a holds and Committee council's Regeneration local the of chair is months Brian 2019. in re-elected few and later a and Council Derry District on Strabane area Ballyarnett the sent Council in 2014, Brian was elected to repre- Brian Tierney was Co-opted on to Derry City at f h Erpa Uin wrig that warning Union, European the remain of to part Ireland Northern in campaign the of leader a was McLaughlin Economy. the for Committee Assembly’s the of Chair ests of local businesses, and is now Deputy inter- Derry,the promotingin Commerce of Chamber the of Executive Chief former a is was elected to the House of Commons. She he when Eastwood Colum leader party her from 2020 early in over took Sinéad city. Derry covers constituency,which Foyle the for Assembly) Legislative the of (Member 2020 GOLDENBRIDGESSPEAKERS ra i mrid o hrl n they and Cheryl to married is Brian serv- public about passionate is Brian f e fre pry edr te ae John Hume. late the leader, party former her of legacy the on building Derry, in expansion university for advocate strong a been has Since taking up her position as MLA Sinéad the economy of and Derry Ireland. Northern damaging seriously as well as Agreement iy d taae itit Council. District Strabane ad City Derry of Executive Chief the is Kelpie John Council District Strabane & Derry CEO, Kelpie John the and Food Marine. Agriculture, and Skills, and Education Children, for Fáil spokesperson Fianna of positions the held he that, to prior and Reform the Law for with responsibility at Equality and State Justice of of Department Minister as previously East. Minister McConalogue was appointed North Donegal for TD elected was Charlie Donegal Councillor County in 2009. In 2011, a as elected being before farm family on the work to home returned Minister McConalogue Australia, in abroad working as Headquarters for a number of years, as well UCD. attending while & Politics History. He first became involved in politics Economics, studied UCD he at where study to on going before School Community Carndonagh at educated was he background, farming a From Donegal. Co. in in Gleneely born from is was and 1977 He October 2020. September 2 on Marine and Food Agriculture, for Minister as appointed was McConalogue Minister Marine the and Food Agriculture, Minister,of Departments TD McConalogue Charlie s h vbat n yuhu Ct of City youthful and vibrant the es Ireland, the Northern Council area compris- in reform government local of a programme of result a as 2015 April in Established n oten rln/orh ags ct on city largest Ireland/fourth Northern in city largest second the is Derry beauty. ral natu- outstanding designated of attractive area rural and diverse a and Strabane of town market busy the Derry/Londonderry, fe wrig n ina Fáil Fianna in working After il agn erig 98 ecn o the of percent 39.8 earning margin, tial substan- a byby-election the won and date 2010. November 25 on held be would by-election South-West Donegal the that announced government the ruling, the to response In by-election. 2 the holding in On unreasonably delayed had government the 2009.[6] that ruled Court June High the 2010, November in European the to Parliament election won he when ed by Fianna Fáil's Pat "the Cope" Gallagher not by-electiona held seatDáil the fill to vacat- had government the why into review judicial a Doherty granted Court High the 2010, July 12 On 2007.[5] July 24 Agricultural on Panel the for Senator a as Éireann first-preference vote. the of 21.2% received he general election, also proved unsuccessful; 2007 the at seat, Dáil a win to attempt ond sec- Doherty's area. electoral local Glenties European the the for Council County Donegal of member in a as serve seat to elected was a but Parliament, win to failed He the elections. Parliament in European and 2004 Council County Donegal for he ran simultaneously in the local elections South-West2004, constituency.June 11 On Donegal the in unsuccessfully ran Doherty election, general 2002 the In Féin executive. al Sinn of member nation- its Youthon Republican served and founding a was Doherty 1996, Féinofsince Sinn member A Donegal Féin, Sinn TeachtaDála TD Doherty Pearse improved citizen health and well-being. and health citizen improved and participation and engagement munity com- increased delivered, environ- projects mental and regeneration physical signifi- cant decade, next the over region and City the in opportunity and investment of tives of the plan which will see over £3.2bn objec- key the implementing successfully and staff with an outcomes-driven focus on ed and dedicated senior management team disadvantage. and exclusion social poverty, targeting and addressing by and regeneration and being well- social and environmental economic, its Strategic Growth Plan 2017-2032 driving through partners statutory,business and community civic, many its with vision on this delivering and leading is Council The all. for opportunity of equality with Region and City sustainable and prosperous ing, a clear vision and purpose to develop a thriv- with structure staffing responsive flexible and innovative, an designing isation organ- new the of creation the on led John cross people. 350,000 over of region City a border of driver economic principal the sub-regional is and Ireland of island the oet sod s h Sn Fi candi- Féin Sinn the as stood Doherty Seanad to elected was he However, As Chief Executive, John leads a talent- cnmc Sca ad Cultural times. ous vari- at Inishowen in organisations and opment devel- local and community with working Social time spent also He Strategy. Development Economic, Economic the implementation of Donegal’s Integrated for responsible body statutory the & Board, Chief was Development County he Donegal of Executive role this Planning In Development. Community, for Culture, responsibility specific had he where Council County Donegal with Services of Director as years sixteen spent He ago. years several organisation same the with executive development a was and Enterprise, Engineering 01/09/17 until 2015 from Authority the with of and Property Director Employment, as was employed He Gaeltachta. na Údarás of Officer Executive Chief the is hÉanaigh Ó Mícheál Gaeltachta na Údarás CEO/Príomhfheidhmeannach hÉanaigh Ó Micheál ations team. ations wasofleader appointed Féin'sSinn negoti- and election, general 2020 the at poll the topped He count.[14] 8th the on stituency elected to the new five-seater Donegal con- was Doherty boundaries, constituency of the 2016 general election, after a redrawing At rules, wrongdoing.[13] any of him cleared and expense any breached not had he rules under that found report A 2010.[12] in Oireachtas introduced be the to to supposed returned being despite expenses workers, these party part-time hiring towards expenses accommodation and el trav- unspent of worth €8,000 put Doherty that 2012, June in revealed was It 2012.[11] the European and met Affairs committees in Berlin in late January Budgetary that the Bundestag's in delegation Féin Sinn Oireachtas vote.[10] represented first-preference Doherty the of 33.0% decisively in Donegal South-West, attaining engi- civil neer.[4][9] a not and technician neering engi- civil a as qualified had he that edged acknowl- and credentials, educational his clarified degree, his completed not had he that fact the about upfront" been "always had he that insisted Doherty qualification. degree-level a presumes that occupation an engineer", "civil a as worked formerly had he that webpages Oireachtas and Féin Sinn various on stating by public the led mis- had Doherty that several alleged newspapers election, general 2011 the before 1 Shortly weeks. nine over justfor TD a been on had dissolved Doherty point which at was 2011, February Finance. Dáil on the However, spokesperson Féin's appointed was Sinn Doherty Dáil, the in seat his taking On vote.[7][8] first-preference In that election Doherty topped the poll the topped Doherty thatelection In Page 25 / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / www.irishecho.com (¹
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NORTH NORTH AMERICA CULTIVATING AND CULTIVATING

STRENGTHENING STRENGTHENING LINKS NORTHERN NORTHERN IRELAND AND www.irishecho.com / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / Page 26 iiga Faue ouetr aot the about Documentary Feature bilingual ietd sxpr sre fr T & TG4 & RTÉ for series six-part a directed ChildrenofPalestine. called ‘Bhí mé Ann’. Documenting, for the for Documenting, Ann’. mé ‘Bhí called the on effect conflicts East Middle the and is tm, esnl tre o individuals of stories personal time, first famous boat Bád Eddie, Daltaí an Chaisleáin who lived, worked & survived through the through survived & worked lived, who The Kilimanjaro, the of story The 1981, - 1980 StrikesHunger Climbing Fairs, Hiring ofit n h Nrh f rln. LIGID Ireland. of North the in conflict taries on subjects as diverse as the Donegal Productions is currently in Production on a on Production in currently is Productions documen- winning award making casters okd cos h goe o mn broad- many for globe the across worked oiaey n h Iih agae Se has She language. Irish the in dominately out withRTÉout1992, Soniain workedhas pre- company based in Ireland. Since she started ig needn Tlvso Production Television Independent ning Director of LIGID Léiriúcháin, an award win- award anLéiriúcháin, LIGID of Director oi Nc ila abi i te Managing the is Easbuig Giolla Nic Sonia Founder,LigidProductionsTV SoniaGiollaNicEasbuig under development. presently Buncrana, in Hub Digital ofInishowen's chairperson also is she tions organisa- community many with Currently involved enjoyed. really she which sport County a player, camogie inter-county in years an was early she her provider In 2017-2018. in training Donegal, and tion educa- largest the ETB, Donegal of person chair- basis, as part-time served She a computers. on teaching by years, 20 over employed the for been (ETB) Board Training has & Education Donegal currently She is Council. County Donegal of (Mayor) Rena Cathaoirleach imbalance. great a is there as politics, Irish in tatives represen- women in increase an see to like would She town. home her Buncrana Council, on Town years 5 for served also and years 21 for Donegal in a Councillor been County has She years. 13 for worked she where Welfare Social in background a has Patrick and girls two and boys 2 fourchildren, with to married is Donaghey Rena Cllr DonegalCouncilCounty Mayor CllrRenaDonaghey 2020 GOLDENBRIDGESSPEAKERS oe eety h hs rdcd and produced has she recently More etvl eonto aad o te radio the Ann’. mé ‘Bhí series for award Amnesty recognition Film Festival Celtic a also and Bhais’, an an gCillín ‘I for Anniversary 50th awarded their of part as Award TV Worldwide Rights Human been International she has twice, section documentary national inter- Circom Prix the of winner A BAI. the by from & TG4 ILBF NISCREEN with support online. commissioned is documentary Feature The simultaneously Ireland Docs and Festival Film Foyle the Festival, the ‘Martin Film Cork at 2020 25th November on Premiere World its McGuinness receive to I is that Peace, Politics’ made made I Fought, I Martin – McGuinness late CEO, North AmericaCEO,HealthBeaconNorth - LauraHamilton their son, Ruairí. son, their to Mamaí being is life and in role greatest NI her BBC with Cameraman Lighting a the in of Ulster.University She is to married Peter, from MA Policy a and Management has Media Sonia surrounds. sea that the Ireland in kind its of first the be will that sculpture a in Eddie’ ‘Bád encase and preserve to together come has that mittee com- local the on front treasurer is her and garden as Eddie’ ‘Bád famous the has Sonia https://youtu.be/xJagQ_LzXKA link: following the at seen be can It Eddie. Bád support who artists local other and Altan, from Mhaonaigh Ní Mairéád Clannad, from Brennan Moya included that beach the on Concert’ Sunset ‘Live a with finishing ers view- Sun million a over had Sunsets’ ‘Live Eddie. The the Bád on evening every broadcast live Setting and lockdown ing and dur- @anbaile.ie up creativity set Sonia innovation. drives culture Gaeltacht art the of unique the state where hub digital & a innovation gteic in office to an has like and area local would her in industry the She develop the in Gaeltacht. Dobhair, Gaoth Donegal Beag, Bun An of hometown her in live to returned recently has Sonia Gaeilge. na Foras from business in excellence award for bilingual Gaeilge le Gnó Q-Mharc 2018 first the of one in awarded was and award’ Gaeilge as Business in deec tcnlg company. technology adherence tion of CEO medica- the a HealthBeacon, at America is North Laura Boston, in residing now and Ireland City, Cork from Originally uies eeomn a MassBio at Development of Director the was Business Laura that, to Prior Vice Executive was Laura Previously, Msahsts itcnlg Council), Biotechnology (Massachusetts company. development drug outsourced an RxCelerate, at Operations US President, h Bso Iih uies Association Business Irish Boston the 4 in companies years. Additionally, Laura is the President of new ~700 onboarding Bridge to MassChallenge program, advising their within MassChallenge at Judge and Mentor a is Laura of innovation, support early-stage In Award. Innovator Business their as well as Irish Award, 40 the Under 40 Echo received Laura 2018, In (BIBA). In business she has received a ‘Top50 a received has she business In elh noain wr, n were the and of2020. foraward 100 DigiLeaders winners overall Award, the as 100 announced Innovation DigiLeaders Health Award, Tech4Good Health AbilityNet Digital the of winners as Covid-19. ing dur- Entrepreneurs Social as commitment and their for Prize annual Innovation Social Cambridge second Jennifer the won inequality. recently Leeann, health independence. of and out route powerful a is this self-care believes Jennifer of solutions tice digital prac- of and strategy the enable range to designed a with ices serv- prison and Government, Local sector, VCSE the housing, bridging health, between gap the is Elemental UK, the in provider software prescribing social digital the leading As services. consultancy via formational trans- and products prescribing social programmes ital dig- of portfolio award-winning Elemental’s prescribing social and to evaluate of the enhance impact their organizations helps Jennifer development, economic and social and regeneration in communities, sector.care social and health the and lives, people’s to makes it the about word social the prescribing movement, the difference spread to mission, that on day every works Jennifer lives. ing improv- connecting and communities, building people, prescribing, social of impact the measure and scale, establish, to Monk, Leeann with Software Elemental up set She inequalities. health ending for passion a by driven is Jennifer Ireland. Northern Derry, winning award in based company good for tech led female an of CEO Software, and Founder Elemental Co the is Jennifer Elemental CEO, & Co-Founder Neff Jennifer her vast, global business network. network. business global vast, her across connections making and ductions intro- facilitating in pride great innovation. takes She and investment, and trade al nology, economic development, internation- in is Degree tech- disruptive business, about passionate Laura Master’s (MBA). Administration a Business and Innovation ing a BSBA in Finance, a Master’s Degree in hold- University, Northeastern of graduate States United three-time a is Laura Society.1787 the - Senate for Institute M. Kennedy Edward the Quincy & Commerce the of of Chamber as such Board organizations while Metro worth- Heart many with affiliated is and Directors Boston American the Association of a member is Laura proud 2015. in Business Business Award Irish Leader Young Boston the awarded and was and years several for Member a Board BIBA been has Marketing Laura strategy. Development as well Sales, as intelligence market and market entry of aspects on companies foreign Elemental was also recently announced recently also was Elemental experience of years her upon Building rm oni, einl ntoa and national building as well regional, as government European council, from representatives public local with tionships economy.widertheNI and economy regional NW prosperity the both within economic to initiatives contribute local which about passionate is and Commerce of Chamber Londonderry the in Director a also is Aidan Health. Production of Director of position the holds he where Line Canada, Allstate within role within leadership Business his group continuing Allstate whilst Ireland, Northern Allstate Technology the Enablement in role Leadership Senior a holds Aidan Australia. and America South America, North Europe, including locations global many in worked Ericsson, (Australia)NEC Allstate.and APiON, Media, Virgin / NTL ing and numberglobaloforganizationsfora includ- worked has Aidan Queen's Engineering, Electronic from and Electrical (Hons) B.Eng graduating with University Since Engineering tions. posi- leadership in time his of majority the spent Telecommunicationshavingindustry, the in Software working experience years' 25 office,has Derry NI's Allstate in based Aidan, AllstateIrelandNorthern Director AidanO'Kane forMLAFoyle, SinéadMcLaughlin. over 20 years. Paul is policy advisor to SDLP for Derry in lived has he English, Although businesses.co-operative to advisor an was he writer,professional a becoming to Prior newspapers. quality Irish and UK other and Times Irish the Times, Financial the to ing the forUK’s Independent newspapercontribut-and column advice financial a writing Trust. Paul was a journalist Holywell for more than 30 years, the charity, reconciliation and peace Derry for podcasts economy.He the financeand onotherbooksIreland’ and the Unsettled Peace’, and as well Troublesas author of ‘A the New from ‘Lessons published book newly of editor is Gosling Paul Author PaulGosling Heregularly engages and maintain rela- and lived has he career his Throughout Page 27 Page

2020 GOLDEN BRIDGES AGENDA www.irishecho.com / 2020 24, - 18 NOVEMBER / Echo Irish /

Diaspora Community Business Government Education COVID-19 Tourism Brexit

The 12th annual Golden Bridges Conference and Awards will take place virtually on 20 November 2020 from our broadcast studio in the Guildhall, Derry. Our purpose is to build

mutually beneficial links of community, culture, commerce and education across the Atlantic.

Eastern Standard Time Opening Remarks: LaoiseIrish Standard Moore, Time IrishEastern StandardConsul Time General in Boston Irish Standard Time 8:30am Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, Publisher, The Irish Echo 1:30pm 11:25am Opportunity Amid Crisis: Remote Working 4:25pm Featuring a special presentation on theand Donegal Natural Environment Diaspora playing to Advantage of Northwest? 8:35am Welcome to Projectthe Twelfth Annual by Joanne Kilmartin,1:35pm Donegal CountyChair: Dr Sandra Council Moffett, Head of Department of Golden Bridges 2020 Conference Honorees Global Business & Enterprise, Ulster University Martin J. Walsh, Congressman Mayor of Boston Brendan Boyle Sean Moynihan, Principal, Moynihan Group, Boston Cllr Rena Donaghy, Cathaoirleach, Micheál Ó hEanaigh, CEO Údarás na Gaeltachta, Donegal Donegal County Kathy Council Savage, Recipient of the Dave BurkeDr Ciaran Award Richardson, Senior Manager, Randox Teoranta, Dungloe Cllr Brian Tierney, Steve Mayor Burke, of Derry and IrishStrabane DistrictCultural Council Centre Aidan O’Kane, Director, Allstate NI Prof Christine Kinealy Anne Marie Conlon, Head of Economic Development, 8:50am Dispatches/Teachtaireachtaí Grace Cotter Regan, President1:50pm Boston CollegeDonegal County High Council School Lament for the Wild Geese performed by flutist Amy Gillen Senator Nick Collins, Massachusetts11:50am StateThe Journey Senate Back for Tourism: Investing Now for A 4:50pm 8:55am A Connected Councilman Northwest, Strength Frank in Alliances Baker, Boston1:55pm City Council,Reimagined Visitor Experience and Strategic PÆdraic Partnerships, McLaughlin, INW a Unique Post-Brexit Buncrana & Boston, Chair:GAA Garvan O’Doherty, Hotelier, Derry Opportunity, Bridge to UK and EU Jim Carmody, GM Seaport Hotel, Boston John Kelpie, MarkCEO, Derry Porter, and Strabane Buncrana District Council and& Boston, Businessman,Des Connolly, Director, Financial Director, Vesada Private Limited John McLaughlin, Irish CEO, DonegalPastoral County councilCentre, in conversation Boston & Cancer AlisonResearch Metcalfe, Executive Fundraiser VP USA & Canada, Tourism Ireland with Jeananne Connemare Craig, Journalist Gaels, Boston James Doherty, CEO Sliabh Liag Distillers, Donegal 9:15am A Northwest Ireland Gateway through the Brexit Challenge 2:15pm 12:20pm New Approach for a New Era: Northwest Gateway to 5:20pm Introduction: Business Charlie McConalogue Development, TD, Minister for Agriculture Pennsylvania Foreign and Indigenous Investment Chair: Paul McFadden, Broadcaster Chair: Paul Gosling, Author and Commentator Sinéad McLaughlin, MLA, SDLP, Foyle Paul Hannigan, CEO LYIT, Donegal Pearse Doherty TD, Donegal Peta Conn, Executive VP, Head of Americas Invest NI Prof. Liam Maguire, Executive Dean, Faculty of Computing, 9:50am Dispatches/Teachtaireachtaí 2:50pm Engineering and Built Environment Ulster University Danny Boy performed by City of Derry International Choir Festival David Roche, Director, FinTech Services, Pramerica Bád Eddie Head of Corporate Social Responsibility John Nugent, Regional Business Development Manager, 9:55am When Given Lemons…How Innovative Small Businesses 2:55pm IDA Ireland Survived the Covid-19 Challenge Chair: Sonia Nic Giolla Easbaig, Founder Ligid TV, Donegal 12:50pm Conference Close 5:50pm Laura Hamilton, President, Boston Irish Business Association, Boston Andrew Elliott, Director, NI Bureau, Washington D.C Kieran Kennedy, Managing Director, O’Neills Sportswear Jennifer Neff, Co-Founder & CEO, Elemental Software 1pm Dispatches/Teachtaireachtaí 6pm John McDermott Production Manager, RAP, Donegal Irish Black Bottom performed Tara O’Grady Mairead Anderson, Boathouse Restaurant/SeaShack, Killybegs, Co Donegal Amazing Grace performed by City of Derry International Choir Festival which includes schools from Donegal, Strabane and Derry 10:20am The Bigger Picture: Why Culture Counts in the Time of Covid 3:20pm Ceol an Phíobaire performed by Aobha Ní Aragáin, Chair: Mary Cremin, Director Void Gallery, Derry Amhráin Inis Eoghain Maggie Maguire, An t-Acadamh Ceoil, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Derry Joyce Linehan, Chief of Policy and Planning, City of Boston 1:15pm Golden Bridges Annual Awards Presentation 6:15pm Úna Campbell, An Gailearaí, Donegal Opening Remarks: Laoise Moore, Irish Consul General in Boston Tara Lynch, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Boston Featuring a special presentation on the Donegal Diaspora Project by Joanne Kilmartin, Donegal County Council 10:45am Three: Arranmore Island – 3:45pm the Most Connected Island in the World 2020 Honorees Congressman Brendan Boyle 10:50am Dispatches/Teachtaireachtaí 3:50pm Kathy Savage, Recipient of the Dave Burke Award Dave Mosley, CEO Seagate Steve Burke, Irish Cultural Centre A Mhamaí Lig Mé chun Aonaigh, Amhráin Inis Eoghain Prof Christine Kinealy Packie Bonner, former Ireland Goalkeeper Grace Cotter Regan, President Boston College High School Liam Ó Cuinneagáin, Oideas Gael Senator Nick Collins, Massachusetts State Senate Councilman Frank Baker, Boston City Council, 11am Testing Times 4pm Pádraic McLaughlin, Buncrana & Boston, GAA Ray O’Hanlon, Editor, The Irish Echo, in conversation with Mark Porter, Buncrana & Boston, Businessman, Director, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney Irish Pastoral Centre, Boston & Cancer Research Fundraiser Connemare Gaels, Boston 11:15am Ulster University Gamechanger: New School of Medicine 4:15pm Joseph Burke, Deputy Secretary of the Office of International Speaker: Louise Dubras, School of Medicine, Ulster University Business Development, Pennsylvania www.irishecho.com / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / Page 28 r Lz Dhry t h Use University, Ulster the at Doherty Liz. Dr. Maggie Maguire is a traditional Irish fiddle Irish traditional a is Maguire Maggie Ceoil) Acadamh ia hs lyd rl wti te YoungEnterprise the within role a played has Aidan Recentlycommunity.business NI wider the relationshipswithinstrongmaintaining and Jitsu Federation. Jitsu Ju World Dan the within 1st Jitsu Ju ranked in blackbelt is and club local arts his martial at time spending teams, enjoys IT Aidan global leading not is he When Cillian. and Cormac Catherine, Anna, dren, chil- young is 4 have Claudy, and Allison to in married lives and currently who workers Aidan which business. border law impacts Tax adversely Irish of tion modernisa- for campaigns and businesses and employees of Coalition. coalition a is CBWC The Workers Border Cross formed Plan. Community Council District Strabane and Entrepreneurship, in of the group, creation the thematic Derry Competitiveness the Regional and Enterprise in contributor key a been also has Aidan past the In NW. the in people young the to enterprise entrepreneurship and promote helped which family of musicians, she has achieved var- achieved has she musicians, of family Co. Derrygonnelly, from teacher and player (Comhordaitheoir, Ceoil- Acadamh Co-Ordinator Maguire Maggie posi- that held has and Transportation and Roads of Director of position the up took he 2001 In level. engineer executive senior and engineer in executive Office at Town Roads Donegal National the joined in worked He he where 1999 in Council construction. County Donegal and USA neering engi- in working California, years 13 spent in he where appointment an up taking before Council County Westmeath time short College a and Galway College University spent for working He Civil University 1986. in in Galway from degree a Engineering with graduated at He educated Letterkenny. in the College Technical was Regional and School and Community Carndonagh Donegal Co. Redcastle, in up grew McLaughlin G. John Council County Donegal Executive Chief McLaughlin John os l-rln cmeiin wrs and awards, competition All-Ireland ious stylistically-reputed a From Fermanagh. the as served he addition, In since. tion has appeared on several Irish and interna- and Irish several on appeared has of number a for Manager Town Buncrana inl eeiin n rdo programmes, radio and television tional County the with merged was it until years nldn T4s enrí n BCs Blas BBC’s and Geantraí TG4’s including 2014. in Council ei, h Nrhr Fdlr Se studied She Fiddler. Northern The Ceoil, Music to degree and Masters Level under Level Masters and degree to Music 2020 GOLDENBRIDGESSPEAKERS ia i te oCar f h recently the of Co-Chair the is Aidan oten rln organization Ireland Northern International Arts Festival (Derry). Thar na Thar (Derry). Festival Canada, Arts International IMBOLC Breton, mallaibh na ar agus 2015) (Cape 2010& Colours Celtic (NAFCo- International Derry,2011), ( Music Traditionalfor Council The Convention 2012), Derry/Donegal, Fiddle North The Atlantic (2009-2011), UU’s Campus le on Trad cosúil eile imeachtaí agus féilte sráith ar mBannaí. na Stáir TG4 2015 i bhanna an leis craoladh ag sí Bhí 2014. i hÉireann na Cheoil bhuaigh Fleadh a Band” Ceilí “Knockmore an ar ceannaire ina sí Bhí Uladh, Doherty. Liz Dr. an ag Ollscoil ó stiúir faoi atá nDoire i cheol Aoidh Mhig Campas sa aici amach bainte máistreacht agus Tácéim cheol. an TG4 ar agus Blas Ceoil ar BBC. Rinne sí ar staidear Geantraí Fiddler, Northern The le cosúil teilifíse agus radió í ar cláir go minic d’fheictí agus blianta na thar hÉireann na Cheoil Fleadh ag aice amach roinnt bainte Tágaiscí muintire. a ceol ar stíle cáill i Tá gConaíle, Maguire. Connections Ó Maggie í Manach Fhear Dhoire gContae ó múinteoir Celtic gaelach agus traidisiúnta fidléir Is and Colours (Scotland). Celtic (Canada) Limerick), (Denmark), (Co. Tonder Dolans’ Donegal), (Co. Arís Áis Ar including festivals at and and America, with Britain in abroad Ireland, and across Tour CCÉ’s Ireland in played has She RTÉ Rooney. Michael Four and Dog A the and Chieftains, Men The Súilleabháin, Orchestra, Ó Concert Mícheál ing (Derry). Festival Arts International IMBOLC recently most and 2015) & 2010 Canada, Breton, (Cape The Colours Celtic 2011), (Derry, 2012), Music Traditional for Council Derry/Donegal, International – (NAFCo (2009- Campus Convention Fiddle Atlantic The North 2011), on Trad UU’s including events other and festivals of organisation mBannaí. na Stáir series TG4 2015 the in them with broadcast has All- 2014 the she Band, Céilí Knockmore Ireland-winning of Leader (UU). City Derry bina hin í e elór csi le cosúil ceoltóirí le sí sheinn mblianta íhá Ó úlebán te T Concert RTÉ the Súilleabháin, Ó Mícheál Connections(Albain). Luimneach), Dolans( Tonder(Danmhairg), a and Men Four Chieftans, The Orchestra, etc oor (end) gs Celtic agus Chonaill) (Ceanada) Tír Colours Arís( Celtic Áis ar le cosúil sealanna Tá Rooney. Michael agus Dog ercá gs raan gs g féilte ag agus Breatain agus Meiriceá lár thar agus Éirinn in seinm ag aice caite e acuitan CÉ n Éirinn, in CCÉ camchuairteanna le rm C wt a ahlr f Commerce of Bachelor a with UCD from of President (LYIT) Technology of been Institute Letterkenny has Hannigan Paul 18) n Mses f uies Studies, Business of Masters and (1985) graduated Having 1998. January since Technologyof Institute Letterkenny President Hannigan Paul pcaiig n ua Resources Human in specialising Bíonn sí gnóthach ó thaobh eagruchán thaobh ó gnóthach sí Bíonn includ- artistes with She has performed the in also involved been has Maggie w frt ie needn Drcos of Directors 2016-2020. from Ireland Swim independent time first Higher European two Technological the of one as served He Institutions. Education for Eurashe, Association of member Board West a is He IBEC. North of Executive Regional the and (LCDC) Development Committee Community Local the Donegal on serves currently He (CAO). Office Applications Central of Director former a and (HEA) Authority Education Higher the of member former a is Paul 2018. January Irish in LYITPresident as contract year five new a the commenced Paul years. ten further a for LYIT of President in as appointed through was 2008 MSc (TCD) and (IMI) in January Institute Management an College Trinity Dublin completed at Practice Management he In Letterkenny. 2007, to appointment his until Studies, Business in of Department of Head worked Paul Paul became 1992 In 1987. from IT Dundalk (1986), Management as drivers for development education and education development for drivers as Authorities (Local project LADDER the ing includ- projects European of number a on Officer Development Programme the was JoAnne appointment, this to Prior turally. cul- and educationally economically, nity, commu- local the to benefits tremendous devel- in resulting being enhanced and deepened oped, are relationships Diaspora business investment, opportunities. – job and development county the County for opportunities new Donegal create to aims Council project, this to. retire to Through or in invest to in, work to in, educated be to in, up grow to to, relocate to visit, to place great a is it why to out find Donegal with reconnect or connect to Diaspora our encourage to is project the of objective The Diaspora. global the with ing County connect- for responsibility Donegal having Council in Executive Diaspora Donegal the as employed currently is She sector. private and public the both in ence experi- years 25 over has Kilmartin JoAnne Council County Donegal Executive Diaspora Donegal Kilmartin JoAnne hog hr ok ih h Donegal the with work her Through Cmuiy eeomn) rm the Humanities from in Technology. of Institute Letterkenny Development) degree (Community BA & Honours Peace Class First a holds She Donegal. County in projects of community of for range a €20M to funding over delivering Programme Reconciliation, European the and Union raising) awareness presidential campaigns. presidential and congressional, legislative, state ipal, munic- numerous on worked and managed Democratic has He MA. Northboro Northboro, of TownCommittee the of Chairman former a is Moynihan Mr. Centre. non-profit Pastoral Irish the of trustee (BWP) a as and organization Partnerships Boston World former the with “Connector” a as serving include efforts volunteer past His Panel. Advisory Internship (IIIC) also Center’s He Immigrant [BIBA]. International Irish the on as serves Association Business Irish Boston serves the of Network Partnerships Global for President Irish Vice as and Boston) (IN Boston of Moynihan of Chairman/President state Attorney Echo. Irish the home by published article this of his and was Ireland the Massachusetts subject between establishing links in efforts Moynihan’s 2009. October since Boston in held conferences Ireland” to Northwest – “Gateways Boston / the Tomorrow organized and sored co-spon- has Group Moynihan The Ireland. Northern and Ireland in located those lar in particu- organizations, with international worked has Ireland, and States United the Attorney with citizenship dual holds Commonwealth. who Moynihan, the in justice sciences/biotech, of administration the labor,and education, life environment, the and energy Moynihan – particular in – issues public policy significant of Attorney myriad a on worked Leader, House the of Majority Office the and Committee Legislative and Director. Leader, Majority the of House Office the including to Means Counsel and Committee, Ways House Representatives the to Counsel of Massachusetts House the within positions ious var- in served He arena. service public the in decade a over spent Moynihan Mr. my. of econo- the sectors public and non-profit, services, financial insurance, the in rience expe- professional of record dynamic a has He 2002. of January in Bar Massachusetts the to admitted was He evening program. division School’s Law University Suffolk of graduate laude cum 2001 a and College Providence of graduate laude cum 1992 a of He Group. is and The principal Moynihan founder the is Moynihan P. Sean Attorney Group Moynihan The Principal and Founder Moynihan P. Sean During his time in Waysthe time his During Means and Page 29 / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / www.irishecho.com

T: +44 28 T: 7127 9111 when tourism resumes. [email protected] Golden Bridges 2020 Honorees Looking forward to welcoming you back to Derry DA VINCI’S HOTEL congratulates the Da Vinci's Hotel, • 15 Culmore Rd, Derry BT48 8JB, UK Belfast, Co.AntrimBelfast, Page Page 30 2020 GOLDEN BRIDGES SPEAKERS

Ray O’Hanlon Joyce Linehan to the Executive and Whitehall Ministers on presenting multidisciplinary projects that www.irishecho.com / www.irishecho.com Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / Editor New York-published Chief of Policy and Planning negotiation priorities post the referendum express a contemporary Gaeltacht expres- Irish Echo newspaper City of Boston decision. sion. Kieran is also a member of Ray O’Hanlon is the editor of the New York- Joyce Linehan, a lifelong resident of Manufacturing NI a key body representing published Irish Echo newspaper. A native of Dorchester, is the Chief of Policy for Boston manufacturers in NI. Kieran was part of a Dublin, O’Hanlon has reported from three Mayor Martin J. Walsh. In this role, she very successful delegation to Downing Street continents in a 41-year newspaper that has advises the Mayor on a wide array of issues, to meet with the Prime Minister with regards unfolded on both sides of the Atlantic. In from housing to economic mobility and to the issues facing all Ireland businesses addition to his work as a reporter and editor, workforce development to substance use with Brexit. Following this meeting, signifi- O’Hanlon has been a frequent contributor to disorder. She and her team coordinate policy cant changes were made to the withdrawal U.S., Irish and British media outlets report- initiatives across cabinets and departments, agreement. ing on Ireland, Irish-American affairs, and with an emphasis on breaking down work Kieran joined O’Neills straight from Anglo-Irish relations. He has appeared on silos. Since coming to City Hall with Mayor school at 16 years old and throughout his CBS 60 minutes, ABC World News Tonight, Walsh, she has led the efforts around social career has completed many business and the Lehrer News Hour on PBS. He has resilience, strategic partnerships and cultur- focused qualifications including the also been interviewed on RTE, BBC and ITV, al policy, among other things. Before joining Business Growth Programme run by Invest both television and radio. His book, The New the administration in 2014, she owned and NI and the Critical Leadership Programme at Irish Americans (Roberts Rinehart, 1998) operated Ashmont Media, a public relations Queens University Belfast. He recently com- was the recipient of a Washington Irving company that served Boston arts organiza- pleted a nine-month Leadership 4 Growth Book Award. The South Lawn Plot (Gemma tions. She co-owns Ashmont Records, an programme at I.E.S.E. University, which was co-funded by Invest NI and Enterprise Media, Boston) his first fiction work, was independent record label. She was previous- Dr Sandra Moffett published in 2011. He is currently writing a ly the Senior Vice President of Artists and Ireland, which afforded him and his senior Head of the Business School book on Irish immigration to the United Repertoire for Sub Pop Records, where she management team the opportunity to Ulster University States. identified and cultivated talent, supervised enhance his leadership & strategic capabili- recording sessions, and managed tours. ty. Kieran is also Chairman of Strabane Dr Sandra Moffett is a Reader in Business Prior to this, she worked as an artist Training Services a local community-based Analytics and Head of the Ulster University manager. For most of her life, she has been a training provider employing 25 staff and with Business School based on the Magee community activist and organizer volunteer- 225 young people from socially deprived Campus. She is a core member of the ing on a range of political and social justice backgrounds currently in various training Business and Management Research campaigns. Linehan holds a B.A. and an M.A. programmes. Institute contributing to the UK’s Research in American Studies from the University of This organisation is supported by the Excellence Framework with 3 and 4 star Massachusetts Boston, where she received Department of Economy and under the papers. Her expertise on Knowledge the Dr. Robert W. Spayne Research Grant for Governance of the Education, Training Management contributes to her being one of study at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Her Inspectorate (ETI). Kieran has been recently the UK leading authors in this field, she has master’s thesis – The Day My Mama Socked appointed Chairman of Strabane BID over 100 internationally recognised publica- it to the Harper Valley PTA: Country Music (Business Improvement District). The BID tions. She has received a number of research Womanhood in the Second Wave of focuses on investment in Strabane to tackle awards and citations for her work. External Feminism, received the American Studies issues to increase footfall to the town centre. funding has enabled Dr Moffett to undertake Book Award from UMass Boston. It aims are to deliver a range of projects and extensive quantitative/qualitative research She is the co-founder of the Dorchester services which will boost the local economy to benchmark KM implementation within UK Arts Collaborative; an animal advocate and by increasing the number of shoppers and companies. Dr Moffett supports a number of leader in the fight to end breed-specific leg- visitors. This in turn will benefit all business UK and Ireland companies design, imple- islation; and serves on the board of Interim levy payers and improve the physical envi- ment and measure the performance of tech- House, a residential substance use disorder ronment for all those who visit, live and work nical systems through consultancy and Mary Cremin treatment center. In 2012, she received an in the town. knowledge transfer projects. Director, Void Gallery Unsung Heroine of Massachusetts award In April 2020, Kieran was appointed to from the Massachusetts Commission of the the Board of Invest NI. He is currently a mem- Mary Cremin is the Director of Void Gallery, Status of Women, and in 2017, she received ber of the Regional Business, Digital Derry. She was the Curator and the the Robert H. Quinn Award for Community Innovation and Export Working Groups. At Commissioner of the Irish Pavilion at the Service. the beginning of the COVID 19 crisis, Kieran Venice Biennale with artist Eva Rothschild in was at the forefront of pivoting the O’Neills 2019. She was previously Programme Kieran Kennedy business from Sportswear to badly needed Curator of Temple Bar Gallery + Studios and Managing Director scrubs for the frontline healthcare workers. the Irish Museum of Modern Art. She is a O’Neills Irish International Sports Co Ltd O’Neills supplied over 300,000 sets of member of International Association of scrubs both North and South. This allowed Curators of Contemporary Art. In 2015, she Kieran Kennedy joined O’Neills in 1979 and O’Neills to keep the factory operating during was Curator of TULCA Festival of Visual Art, became MD in 1988. Under Kieran’s leader- the pandemic. In August 2020, Kieran was Seachange, which included over 30 national ship, O’Neills has grown from 30 staff when appointed by DTI to the Trade Advisory and international artists. She has delivered it first opened in Strabane in the mid-1970’s Groups. The TAGs are a much-needed cohort large scale exhibitions and commissions to almost 756 today. This growth has includ- of senior stakeholders with whom the such as Magnetism, Hazelwood Estate, ed major investment in new production facil- Department can work directly to gain Sligo, (2015), Richard Mosse, The Enclave, ities in Strabane. Kieran has a deep under- insights into how a sector is responding to Irish Pavilion, Venice Biennale, (2013). She standing of textile manufacturing and a track trade developments. holds a degree in Art History and Geography record of driving significant improvements in from University College Cork and graduated product innovation, customer service, effi- Úna Campbell Anne Marie Conlon with a Masters in Visual Art Practices from ciency, IT and business transformation. An Gaeilearaí Head of Economic Development the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Kieran is a member of the Business Liaison Donegal County Council Dublin. Group established by Invest NI at the request Completed BA Fine Art at U.U. 1997 (mature of the then First and Deputy First Ministers. student) Moved with family to Donegal 1997 Anne Marie Conlon is Head of Economic The Group provided practical contributions Established An Gailearaí in 1998 Overseen Development with Donegal County Council operations since. An Gailearaí specialises in and is currently leading out on a range of Page 31 Page / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / www.irishecho.com / 2020 24, - 18 NOVEMBER / Echo Irish / ulster.ac.uk/uubs

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@silkiewhiskey silkiewhiskey.com drink responsibly Page Page 32 2020 GOLDEN BRIDGES SPEAKERS innovative initiatives including a new Place director, visionary leader and general man- Branding Strategy and Remote Working ager. Authentic and determined with a first Strategy for Donegal. With extensive experi- class track record of complex business and ence in local government in Ireland, Anne brand development in international markets. Marie has held the post of Communications Successful in both corporate and private Manager, Social Inclusion Manager and EU ownership and has demonstrated good Peace III Programme Manager in Donegal. strategic insight and effective pacey deliv- She has an MS in Innovation Management ery. Has jointly designed and lead change and BA (Hons) Business Studies from Ulster programs and integration in multicultural University. environments. Genuine people leader con- sistently building diverse game changing teams that deliver against ambitious goals by simplifying, innovating and leveraging commercial rigor and relationships.

based in Toronto. Jessica managed equity investments in

www.irishecho.com / www.irishecho.com Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / Alison has extensive destination market- high growth Irish start-ups with Enterprise ing experience and a record of achievement Ireland, and worked on multinational’s inter- in building and leading high-performance national tax strategies in her roles with teams. Her career has spanned strategy Deloitte in the US and Ireland. Jessica holds development, brand management, integrat- a BA (mod) in Economics and Business from ed consumer marketing, communications Trinity College Dublin and an M. Litt in and stakeholder management. Alison has Management, Economics and International worked in the UK, Europe and North relations from University of St. Andrews, America. Alison also serves as Chair of the Scotland. European Travel Commission, USA Chapter.

Jim Carmody VP & General Manager Seaport Hotel & World Trade Centre Peta Conn James M. Carmody joined Seaport in Executive VP, Head of Americas September, 2004, assuming the position of Invest NI Vice President and General Manager. Mr. Carmody brings over 30 years of hospitality I am a highly-experienced strategic manage- experience to the role; having both a med- ment professional and senior director, with ical and hospitality background, he has a dual Irish and New Zealand nationality, and commitment to superior customer service. strong leadership, organisational and entre- He is responsible for daily operations of the preneurial skills derived from a fifteen-year award-winning, mixed-use facility. A gradu- career in the public and private sector. I offer ate of Cornell University and the Culinary significant expertise in all aspects of inter- Institute of America, Mr. Carmody was previ- national business, with deep knowledge of ously Vice President of General Services for the FMCG market sector, steering strategy the Tufts-New England Medical Center in and planning, delivering exemplary client Professor Liam Maguire Boston, where he was responsible for clini- Des Connolly support and energising high-impact teams Executive Dean of the Faculty of cal ancillary services and hotel services at Financial Director, Vesada Group to achieve first-class outcomes and rev- Computing, Engineering and the Built the tertiary care institution. He oversaw a enues. Heading up a research and account Environment. Ulster University variety of departments including facilities Desmond has over 30 years' experience management team at Euromonitor management, dietary, volunteer services, within both the public and private sector. He International enabled me to provide target- Professor Liam Maguire is the Executive clinical labs and security. has held key roles and advised private com- ed strategy and business intelligence for a Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Prior to his tenure at New England panies in distress, overseeing the restruc- wide range of multinational companies, driv- Engineering and the Built Environment. Medical Center, Mr. Carmody held numerous turing of their debt in complex transactions. ing input into strategies for organic growth, Originally from County Fermanagh, Liam management positions at a variety of Furthermore he has been working closely geographic expansion and new product obtained MEng and PhD degrees in upscale hotels, with a focus on food and withborrowers and investors in founding launches. Electrical and Electronic Engineering from beverage operations. He previously worked and appraising companies, conducting I grew a highly-successful business Queen’s University, Belfast. He joined Ulster as Hotel Manager at the Boston Harbor credit analysis and risk management. unit, managed a top-ranking team of University as a lecturer in 1994 and held Hotel, Food and Beverage Director at both Recently he has just sold his interests in an research and sales experts, expanded the Senior Lecturer and Reader positions before the Mandalay Four Seasons Hotel in Las Irish company and spcialises in off market country coverage and generated a signifi- becoming a Professor of Computational Vegas and the Omni International Hotel in trading companies that need private invest- cant income stream. My relationship, part- Intelligence in 2007. Prior to being appoint- Atlanta, and Assistant Food and Beverage ment and restructuring to expand within nering and negotiating strengths proved ed Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Director at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago. Mr. Ireland and Europe. their worth when I joined New Zealand Trade Engineering in September 2014, Liam held Carmody's community involvement includes and Enterprise in 2009. As Regional several senior positions including Head of serving on the Board of Caritas Carney Investment Manager in London I was School and Director of the Intelligent Hospital and the Board of Cathedral High accountable for the development of interna- Systems Research Centre. His research School. He is the President of the Guild of tional trade, attracting foreign direct invest- interests focus on data analytics and Oenophilists and is Chairman of the Greater ment for the New Zealand Government machine learning with particular focus on Boston Convention & Visitor's Bureau's across EMEA. As Trade Commissioner in bio-inspired approaches. Restaurant Week event. New York, I promoted the country’s interests Author of over 250 research papers, city-wide and across the US, deploying my Liam has secured extensive research fund- Alison Metcalfe rich understanding of international business ing and supervised 18 PhD and three MPhil Head of North America, Australia and market intelligence to focus on the students to completion. In addition to edit- & New Zealand, Tourism Ireland development of trade relationships and help ing special issues of journals and organising NZ companies achieve growth and prof- conferences, Liam regularly delivers keynote Alison Metcalfe, Head of North America, itability. talks at international conferences. His Australia & New Zealand, Tourism Ireland research enables him to collaborate with ,based in New York, Alison was appointed Jessica Benson staff from every faculty in the University Head of North America in June 2013, where VP Eastern USA & Canada either through funded projects or joint she has responsibility for leading Tourism IDA Ireland research staff/student supervision. Liam is a Ireland’s Marketing Strategy and Operations Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and in the USA and Canada. In June 2017, Alison Jessica Benson, VP, IDA Ireland, is respon- Technology and a chartered engineer with also assumed responsibility for Tourism James Doherty sible for Green Economy for the Eastern half an extensive network of colleagues in the Ireland’s operations in Australia/New Founder & Managing Director of the US and Canada. Based in Boston, digital and engineering sectors in Northern Zealand. Alison joined Tourism Ireland in Sliabh Liag Distillers Jessica works with companies in the energy Ireland. Most recently he has been appoint- 2002 and previously held the position of sector to identify opportunities where ed to the NI Digital Catapult Advisory Board. Vice President Marketing, USA. Prior to mov- Setting up the Sliabh Liag Distillery in Ireland can add value to their international His research and teaching links extend ing to New York, she was responsible for Donegal to reclaim the distilling heritage of operations and to drive further investment across China, Japan, the USA and through- Tourism Ireland’s operations in Canada the Donegal Gaeltacht. A strong company into Ireland. Prior to joining IDA Ireland out Europe. Page 33 Page / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / www.irishecho.com / 2020 24, - 18 NOVEMBER / Echo Irish /

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS…

Titanic Belfast

Home to the hum of festivals. To the thrilling notes of traditional music. To the chatter of family and feasts shared with friends. And to the legendary buzz of the Irish pub.

Listen carefully because Ireland is calling, from the fast-paced beat of the Titanic city to cozy corners where laughter rises to the roof. There, against a backdrop of Ireland’s one hundred thousand welcomes, memories are prompted, acquaintances rekindled and promises made to stay connected.

They say you should always listen to you heart, and it’s telling you to come home.

Find your way home at Page Page 34 2020 GOLDEN BRIDGES SPEAKERS

upskilling online platform, for all to upskill Mairead featured on Neven Maguires through online learning with Letterkenny Seafood trails on RTE and also Nationwide. Institute of Technology (LYIT). In 2020, I’m She has enjoyed national media attention delighted to add that FTLL went live in with the Irish Independent and the Irish October with its first MSc Innovation in Times to name but a few featuring her ven- FinTech. tures as popular foodie destinations. On David is a member three experts’ the back of the success of the Seafood groups, namely; the IDA Ireland Blockchain Shack, Mairead and her husband opened Expert Group Board (IBEG); the Technology up the very popular Boathouse Restaurant Ireland ICT/Skillnet group; & the Donegal Killybegs in December 2019 and have ICT/FinTech Cluster group Northwest already accomplished accolades with win- region. David was educated at Blackrock ning ‘Ulsters Best Newcomer’ for 2019 College, an Economics Graduate from which was a huge feat for such a new busi- University College Dublin, and holds a ness. Leadership degree from Queen’s University Maireads has enjoyed over 20 years Belfast. experience in the hotel and catering indus- try and is still determined to keep opening more businesses in her area. Her belief is, Medicine, Ulster University www.irishecho.com / www.irishecho.com Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / David Roche Director of FinTech Services ‘build it (promote it) and they will come’. It MBBS, BSc, DRCOG, FRCGP, MA(Ed), Pramerica is her sense in strong customer relations FAcadMEd, PFHEA and also value for peoples hard earned David began his professional career in money that has helped make her a success Foundation Dean of the School of Medicine Merchant Banking, has over thirty years in her own right. After the development of at Ulster University since June 2018, estab- Financial Services experience, spanning the unfortunate pandemic Mairead, along lishing a new medical school. I provide clin- across the full FinTech sector before joining with other businesses saw the potential in ical and educational leadership for this com- Pramerica 2011. David held many Executive offering takeaway options for their local plex project, including progression towards positions, was formally Head of Group clientele and is further developing this side GMC accreditation and developing relation- Treasury Operations with both Investment of the business. She still firmly believes that ships with key stakeholders. Early work Bank of Ireland & Bank of Ireland Group there is great potential out there and is also required formation of a small but capable Treasury. His experience covers; the full delighted to be a part of a huge regenera- team, working to develop our project plan FinTech spectrum within Group strategic tion movement that is occurring in Killybegs towards a projected opening date. With our operations, Asset & Wealth Management, Currently. first student intake scheduled for late Funds & Portfolio Administration, Treasury August 2021, priorities now include growth Operations, Foreign Exchange Management of the team, development of resources, stu- & Derivatives. David held many executive & Tara Lynch dent recruitment and work to develop our strategic positions within the Financial Chairperson building. Industry & was assigned executive roles Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch Formerly Deputy Dean of Medical with Central Bank of Ireland during the Education at King’s College London for 3 implementation of Basel and the introduc- Tara Lynch, Chairperson Reynolds-Hanafin- years, I led the MBBS programme training tion of the Euro currency & EURO Directives. Cooley CCÉ Branch, Boston, MA (2012 - approximately 2200 students to become David joined Pramerica 2011 as Director Present) Tara is the chairperson of the doctors. My expertise is curriculum innova- FinTech Services, channelling his Comhaltas branch in the New England area tion and design and the implementation of Leadership & Management skills into driv- and, pre-pandemic, would regularly be seen educational. I am a GP working in a ing FinTech Services efficiencies under the performing or hosting events in the Greater deprived Derry-Londonderry practice for one umbrella of Professional Business Services, Boston area. Within the Comhaltas organi- day a week, having spent many years as a and Asset Management within Prudential zation she is also a North East Region dele- GP to homeless patients in Southampton Group Investment Management (PGIM gate to North American Province. Born in with a special interest in addiction and men- Group). In 2015, David set up the Pramerica New York City of immigrant Irish parents tal illness. FinTech strategy, and implemented the (both are from Kilfenora in Co. Clare, I am a board member of the Association strategy for the ICT/FinTech Cluster Group in Ireland) Tara has played Irish music since for the Study of Medical Education, and I am Northwest region. moving to Ireland as a teenager. Music and a member of Council of the Academy of John McDermott Medical Educators. In July 2016, David was invited as a key- the promotion of Irish traditions has been a Production Manager note speaker to deliver his FinTech white- prominent theme for her throughout her life RAP (Rapid Action Packaging) paper at the World FinTech Conference in having lived for a number of years in Ireland, London. More recently, David has written England, Poland and now back in the US. John has worked as the Operations Director several thought-leadership papers on of Rapid Action Packaging Ltd. for the past FinTech & the introduction of new disruptive 22 years. He has a wealth of experience in technologies with the potential to reshape production management, primarily in the the FinTech Landscape. In 2018, David set packaging sector. John started his career up the FinTech Learning Labs (FTLL) an with Boxmore Plastics. In 1996 he was given the responsibility to start-up Cartoncare, a new packaging converting company in Newry County Down. In 1998 he took on a new challenge, to set up RAP in Gweedore, County Donegal. The company started off with 4 employees and has seen exponential growth over the years taking the workforce to over 200 employees. RAP specialises in the design and manufacture of innovative, cost effective and environmentally responsi- ble packaging solutions. Jeananne Craig John attributes his success in both work Journalist and Copywriter and life to his passion for innovation and his Press Association, BBC, Guardian and Mairead Anderson continuous drive for improved efficiency. Sunday Times Owner John is a powerful force in the workplace Seafood Shack and uses his positive attitude and tireless Jeananne Craig is a Derry-based journalist energy to encourage others to work hard and copywriter who has reported for the Mairead Anderson opened the Seafood and succeed. John is inspired daily by his Press Association, BBC, Guardian and wife and their four daughters. Sunday Times. She returned to her home- REBUILDING TOGETHER Shack in Killybegs in 2017 and has enjoyed great success with this venture, she has town in 2018 after stints in London, Dublin and Manchester, and co-hosts the podcast Connecting Boston, been a huge advocate of helping grow Professor Louise Dubras tourism and enterprise in Donegal. Foundation Dean of the School of All Change Please. Massachusetts and Irish America with Northwest Ireland Page 35 / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / www.irishecho.com

Law & Law Order

Golden Bridges

First Responders Irish 40 40 Under Irish Labor Awards Irish Labor Awards

Best of Irish America Irish Business Awards Community Champions The The Irish Cultural Centre of New England The Nominations Nominations are open for

IrishEcho IrishEcho Big Irish American Campfire Nominate Nominate at www.irishecho.com 2021 Irish 2021 Echo Events Steve Steve Burke, Executive Director of the Irish Cultural Centre 781-821-8291 781-821-8291 30th year Canton, MA 02021 MA Canton, www.irishculture.org www.irishculture.org [email protected] Be sure to visit us on on us visit to sure Be of of New England Check out our website website our out Check 200 New Boston Drive, Drive, Boston New 200

Facebook and Instagram. and Facebook congratulates congratulates all the honorees of the Irish Echo 2020 Golden Bridges Awards especially Join us every Friday night Friday every us Join lectures and family events. events. family and lectures

Celebrating Celebrating our for information on upcoming upcoming on information for concerts, historical and literary literary and historical concerts, music session. All are welcome. welcome. are All session. music food and drink and an open Irish open an and drink and food

History, and Set Dancing classes. classes. Dancing Set and History, The Irish Cultural Centre FB Irish Cultural Centre of New England New of Centre Cultural Irish FB In the ICC Pub & Restaurant for great for Restaurant & Pub ICC the In We host weekly Irish language, Music, language, Irish weekly host We Page Page 36 2020 SPONSOR PROFILES

INVEST NORTHERN IRELAND is the economic For almost 40 years RANDOX have been at the ULSTER UNIVERSITY is Northern Ireland’s Civic development agency for Northern Ireland, one of the forefront of diagnostics, leading the way with our University and the second largest in Ireland. We have four regions of the UK. Our Americas team supports disruptive technology and versatile product offering. an international reputation for excellence, innovation trade and investment In January, Randox were one of the first to respond and regional engagement. between Northern Ireland to the coronavirus pandemic launching a diagnostic We have been recognised as a top UK university for and the USA, Canada and test in just a few weeks. The rapid test is used globally widening participation in higher education. Latin America. and is responsible for over 17% of the UK Ulster University’s Magee Northern Ireland is a great government’s national Campus is a beautiful mix of place to grow a business testing. old and new buildings thanks to its talent With speed, accuracy located right in the heart of availability, infrastructure, and reliability at its core the city. Walk through the cost-effectiveness and our product range comprises; complete quality campus and grab a coffee or supportive business environment. More than 1,100 control solutions, over 113 diagnostic reagents, clinical attend a Music at One international companies already operate there, chemistry analysers and patented biochip technology. lunchtime concert; the campus is here for everyone including Aflac, Allstate, Citi, Deloitte, Microsoft and The revolutionary biochip is capable of to enjoy. Located in the historic walled city of Derry PwC. simultaneously detecting hundreds of targets from a where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Invest Northern Ireland helps companies grow by single patient sample. Complete patient profiling in Coast, study just a short drive from the beauty of www.irishecho.com / www.irishecho.com Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / scaling internationally into the region. We offer this way facilitates faster patient testing, earlier Donegal. overseas expansion guidance on sourcing cost- diagnosis and improved patient pathways. The unique Teaching strengths on campus include nursing, effective, scalable talent, market development, and technology has applications in molecular diagnostics, social care, business, cinematic arts, Irish, music, property selection. We also offer financial incentives forensic toxicology and food testing. drama, computing, engineering and law. We are for employment, pre- and post-employment training Dedicated to improving healthcare worldwide, our proud to contribute to Derry’s reputation as a Hub for and R&D. We are the only country in Europe providing Randox Health clinics encourage individuals to adopt data-driven Innovation and Health and Social Care: 100% funded talent development through our Assured a preventative approach. Harnessing the power of the • Our School of Nursing at Magee recently celebrated 45 Skills program, where companies identify a skills biochip we can predict future health concerns and years and is ranked 7th in the UK and top 50 in the world need and custom pre-employment training is identify early signs of illness allowing individuals to • We are now home to Northern Ireland’s only developed to meet it. This removes the cost of act to prevent or delay disease onset. Paramedic Degree Course. induction training and creates a pipeline of talent for Our commitment and significant re-investment in • In September 2021, we will open the Graduate Entry investors. We also help Northern Ireland companies R&D means Randox have more new tests in School of Medicine to train the future Doctors of the export. We can connect you to products and solutions development than any other manufacturer. Novel North West. for everything from cyber security to data analytics, tests for stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease and CKD are • We are the first University in Ireland and the UK to offer diagnostics to precision medicine, agricultural to among just some of the niche tests available. an undergraduate degree course in Stratified Medicine. waste-handling equipment, craft beer to artisanal www.randox.com Our research centres, (funded in partnership with spirits. Email: [email protected] WHSCT ad DCSDC), at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry visitInvestNI.com. are undertaking some of the most exciting and advanced research in personalised medicine globally. IRELAND Established in With a presence right across the region, our aim in NORTH WEST – 1980, ÚDARÁS Derry is to contribute to economic development and YOUR GATEWAY TO NA GAELTACHTA regeneration of the Derry region and the north west GROWTH is the regional of Ireland. With a global authority https://www.ulster.ac.uk outlook, exceptional responsible for industry strengths, a the economic, Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the competitive edge social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht. island of Ireland overseas as a leading vacation and a superb quality The overall objective of Údarás na Gaeltachta is to destination. of life, Ireland ensure that Irish remains the main communal https://www.tourismireland.com Northwest is language of the Gaeltacht and is passed on to future enterprising and generations. business-friendly. Comprising of Donegal County Údarás endeavours to achieve that objective by Council Area and Derry City and Strabane District funding and fostering a wide range of enterprise Council Area with the city of Derry-Londonderry and development and job creation initiatives and by Letterkenny as its linked gateways, the region supporting strategic language, cultural and The Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington DC is enchants visitors with its breath-taking landscapes, community based activities. one of 3 international offices of the Northern Ireland its welcoming people, a spirit of entrepreneurship and Executive, the other two being located in Brussels and ‘can do’ attitude. Economic Mission in Beijing. The region has been recognized as the number one Údarás encourages investment in the Gaeltacht The Northern Ireland location in Northern Ireland for remote working, through a range of generous financial and non- Bureau represents the among the top 5 remote working locations across the financial incentives for new and existing enterprises in Executive in North UK and the “coolest place on the planet ”. Situated the Gaeltacht. America and seeks to right at the gateway into Ireland, the UK and the ensure among key Continent, with daily flights across the Atlantic into Cultural Mission stakeholders a good understanding of the region and East Coast US, Central and South America our All of the organisation’s activities have the aim of its unique governance arrangements, as a result of location is a strength. preserving and promoting the Irish language at their the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement of 1998. The primary reason why companies select Ireland core. Údarás funds a range of strategic language and The Bureau promotes Northern Ireland as a NW is due to their ability to secure talent from across cultural initiatives as well as supporting the Irish confident, competitive and outward-looking region the Ireland Northwest cross-border city region. The language through its own practices. and leverages diverse political, economic, cultural reason why companies thrive is because of the people Social Mission and social links to help identify potential areas for and support they receive from a strong cross-border The people of the Gaeltacht play an active role in collaboration and partnership with North America. network of partners and collaborators. the economic, social and cultural development of their Northern Ireland is a peaceful, dynamic, vibrant and We are a destination of choice for technology, communities, largely through well-established groups forward-thinking region committed to promoting financial services, professional and business services such as community cooperatives and community economic prosperity, cultural development and and advanced manufacturing and engineering. development companies. international growth and engagement. The success of With a global outlook, exceptional connectivity, An tÚdarás provides funding for these and provides television shows like Game of Thrones, a major research and innovation strengths, and a superb the advice, assistance and financial support that help interest in Northern Ireland as a top travel destination, quality of life, Ireland NW provides a hot bed of these community groups become strong and and its reputation as a global leader in the fields of opportunity. Ireland NW Investment Service will proactive structures in their own communities. peace, security and conflict resolution, have helped provide free, bespoke and confidential packages of https://udaras.ie/en dramatically raise the profile of the region. advice for companies interested in expanding into The Bureau works closely with the British and Irish region, reducing risk, saving you time, effort and Embassies and Consulates and with Invest NI and money. Tourism Ireland to further advance the interests of the http://irelandnw.com region. https://www.nibureau.com Page 37 / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / www.irishecho.com Eamon Kelly, an owner independent originally business from Buncrana, received the Diaspora Award. Donegal Gaeilge Ambassador Award recipient Máirín Uí Chéide, co-founder of Boston le Gaeilge receives her award from Máire Mairéad Ní Bhiadha from Údaras na Gaeltachta. James Brett receives the Bridge Builder Award from former Belfast Mayor Mairtin O’Muilleoir. Donegal was well represented at the conference.

Jay Ash, CEO Competitive of Massachusetts Council Michaela Boyle, Mayor of Derry City with and Strabane. Cllr

Rónán Mac Con Iomaire, Rónán ÓDochartaigh, and Dr.Malachy Mary Ó Néill were part of the Concannon, Irish Language as a Driver of Economic Regeneration panel. Garry Martin of the Donegal County Chonaill Council Award to Mary Anne McGonagle . gives the Tír Vinny McGroary, Nuala McGowan, Prof. Liam Maguire, were part of the and Unlocking an Education Dividend in NW Ireland Kevin panel. O’Connor

2019 PHOTO GALLERY PHOTO 2019

Boyle and Rev. David Latimer, author of “A Leap of Faith.” Mayor Marty Walsh, Derry City and Strabane Mayor Michaela Mayor Strabane and City Derry Walsh, Marty Mayor

Pubs. Sean Somers Director of Strategic Development, Somers panel. Perreault spoke on the Global Companies Transforming NW Ireland Susan Whoriskey, Kerrie McAuley, Jessica Benson and Niamh discuss a Global Access Route to the UK & EU Markets. Kieran Kennedy, Sean Moynihan, Stephen Gillespie, Garry Martin and Kathryn Ellis

The 11th Annual Golden Bridges conference and awards luncheon was held at the Seaport Hotel in Boston on Friday, November 15th. Photos by Dan Hallissey. Golden Golden Bridges conference in Boston

www.irishecho.com / Irish Echo / NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2020 / Page 38 Donegal CountyC Dhún nanGall C omhairle Chontae ouncil