US Ambassador Claire Cronin and Ornua honoured at Principals Club dinner

The honour was given during the Principals Club dinner, an evening gathering of international C-suite business and political leaders. Attendees included Chris Taylor, Vice President, NYSE Global Head of Listings and Services, who spoke about his delight at visiting Ireland and consolidating friendships.

Ian Hyland, Founder and President of Ireland INC. Picture: Andres Poveda Photography.

Ambassador Claire Cronin

Ambassador Cronin has worked in Ireland under the Biden Administration since her nomination to the position in 2021. Born to an Irish immigrant father, she grew up about an hour outside of Boston. Before taking the Ambassador position, she worked in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, serving as the first female House Majority Leader.

“They say it takes a village, but it takes more than a village. It takes Ireland INC., and IDA Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland, and the U. S. Embassy,” Cronin said. “…we all work together. It’s been a hundred years of our diplomatic relations.”

 

Ambassador Claire Cronin Picture: Andres Poveda Photography.

Though Cronin might be departing Ireland at the end of the Biden administration, she said she believes that both the historical connections and the current global economy ties the Irish and American cultures tightly.

“We talk about our ancestral foundations, but it’s our trading and investment that is the glue that keeps us together,” she added. “And that is so true. So tonight I’m happy to be here. I appreciate the award, but look very forward to the next hundred years.”

Ornua

Irish company Ornua was also presented with the “Outstanding Company” award. The business which operated as a dairy co-operative with over 2,000 employees, is Ireland’s largest exporter of dairy products. Currently, they sell over €3 billion, and export to more than 100 countries, including the United States.

Ian Hyland, Founder and President of Ireland INC spoke about the daily role that Irish companies like Ornua play in households across the United States.

“When you have a meeting with the Secretary of Commerce, she or he might say, ‘Yes, Kerrygold is in my refrigerator,’” he said “That’s a loose statement but it means an amazing amount to me.”

 

Ornua CEO Conor Galvin received the honour on the company’s behalf. Picture: Andres Poveda Photography.

Ornua’s CEO Conor Galvin expanded upon that sentiment.

“The grass-based farming system that we operate, the quality and the assurance that we can bring the product are really things that can make a difference,” Galvin said. “I think that’s something that we’re all very proud of. But we’re equally proud of the business that we have in the U.S. Partnerships and the products that we produce in the U.S. are as important as what we bring into the U.S.”

 

Tracey Carney, MD Catalyst Media and Professor Frances Ruane, Chair of Business & Finance Awards judging panel. Picture: Andres Poveda Photography.

Ireland INC US 250 Index 2024

The 2024 Ireland INC US 250 Index also launched Tuesday, recognising 250 Irish corporations expanding their footprint across the United States, an Index of Ireland’s expanding businesses across all 50 States.

Ireland INC works closely with and supports US and Irish Government Agencies, including Select USA, in promoting the United States as a unique market for expanding Irish business. Since its inception 15 years ago, Ireland INC has created high-level convening platforms in the United States and Ireland, including the annual Ireland Day at the NYSE.

See here for more information on Ireland INC.