My 9th St.Patrick's Week in NYC

What a week it’s been! This year marks my 9th Paddy’s week in New York (hard to believe until I tried to get out of bed this morning and it felt like my 90th). But what a fantastic week for the Irish diaspora and our small but mighty nation! I’m so grateful for this incredible community here, who remind me every day of what makes being Irish so special.

Key highlights:

• Attending The Ireland Funds 32nd National Gala Dinner with Claire Lord and Melanie Crowley, where the crowd gave a standing ovation to NI’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Their joint appearance on stage, showing unity and solidarity for ongoing peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland, was so powerful. Never has this symbolism been more important on the world stage!

• A brief (and slightly amusing) miscommunication with Nancy Pelosi’s CIA guy, which led to an unforgettable photo!

• Had the privilege of working with Maria Gagic and Bridget Winston to meet a truly incredible group of Irish female leaders and entrepreneurs as part of the Enterprise Ireland Women’s Leadership Programme.

• Met the amazing Tolü Makay, whose music always brings me home.

• And lastly, I ran the NYC Half Marathon (though I was definitely crawling by mile 5) while hearing my 4-year-old scream, “Mammy, hurry, you can still win!” Because if there’s one thing I want for these little women, it’s hope and belief in the impossible!

What a week for Ireland, for women, and for all of us chasing the impossible! #PaddysWeek #IrishInNYC #WomenInLeadership #NYCHalfMarathon