Irish Network USA is set to launch its 19th chapter at a reception to be held at Houston City Hall tomorrow evening, October 24. Special guests at the reception will include newly installed General Consul Adrian Farrell, Honorary Consul General John B. Kane, and Adrian Garcia, Harris County Sheriff. The event is sold out and a waiting list has been established.

“Houston, and Texas as a whole, has been leading the way as one of the fastest growing economies in the United States, and the Irish presence here has been steadily increasing. With the opening of an Irish Consulate in Austin, the establishment of IDA and Enterprise Ireland offices, the growing presence of the GAA across Texas, and the continued ability of Irish Network USA to harness the energy of the Diaspora across the country, the time is right for us to launch here in Houston,” stated Eddie Kelleher, President, Irish Network Houston.

Irish Network Houston will work within the framework of Irish Network USA to bolster business opportunities and economic development between the United States and Ireland, to support and encourage Irish Arts and Culture through film, literature, theater, dance, and language; to encourage and promote Irish sports through the States; to support the efforts of local Irish organizations and associations; and to serve as a conduit between newly arrived Irish immigrants and their communities in member cities and states.

“Irish Network continues to grow across the United States because of the energy, enthusiasm and desire to connect to Ireland in a meaningful way like that we have seen from our new members in Houston,” stated Steve Lenox, Co-President, Irish Network USA. “We are excited that everyone that considers themselves Irish in this great city can now call themselves members of Irish Network USA, and look forward to working with them to help them fulfill their desire to invest in Ireland.”

Irish Network USA is the national umbrella organization integrating the Irish networks that exist in various cities across the United States. Irish Network Houston is the 19th chapter to be launched, and there are currently committees in formation in an additional 7 cities across the country. Currently, Irish Network chapters can be found in Seattle, Bay Area (California), San Diego, Nevada, Phoenix, Colorado, Austin, New Orleans, Chicago, Minnesota, Cleveland, Washington DC, Delaware, Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York City, Boston and Buffalo.