Irish Senate Speaker Mark Daly Visits Connecticut for Powerful Great Hunger Exhibition

Senator Mark Daly, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, made a poignant stop at "Gorta: Selections from Ireland’s Great Hunger" during his visit to Connecticut on July 22. The trip blended cultural remembrance with community celebration, strengthening the bonds between Ireland and the Constitution State.

On Tuesday, July 22nd, Senator Mark Daly, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann (Speaker of the Irish Senate), visited "Gorta: Selections from Ireland's Great Hunger", currently on view at the Walsh Gallery, at Fairfield University. His visit was made possible through a collaborative effort by the Co-Chair of the CT-Ireland Trade Commission, Loretto Leary, and administration officials at the Walsh Gallery.

Senator Daly’s visit was a moment of cultural significance, highlighting the deepening ties between Ireland and Connecticut. The Walsh Gallery, part of the Fairfield University Art Museum, graciously extended its hours to accommodate the Senator’s schedule, a gesture deeply appreciated by all involved.

While touring the powerful exhibition, Senator Daly was especially moved by Glenna Goodacre’s evocative sculpture "Mona", which captures the quiet strength and sorrow etched into famine memory.

Another notable work that drew attention was "Thank You to the Choctaw", a bog oak sculpture by Irish artist Kieran Tuohy, honoring the historic generosity of the Choctaw Nation during the Great Hunger. It is one of many emotionally resonant pieces featured in the exhibition.

Also in attendance were key figures in the Irish-American community and Irish organizations across Connecticut, including Dr. Elizabeth Stack, John Foley (President of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield), and Loretto Leary (Co-Chair, CT-Ireland Trade Commission, and Educational & Cultural Director, IGHMF).

Following the gallery visit, Senator Daly received a warm céad míle fáilte (hundred thousand welcomes) from the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield. A special Welcome to Connecticut Dinner brought together prominent figures from Irish organizations across the state in an evening that celebrated not just heritage, but the vibrant connections between Irish and Irish-American communities, and Senator Bob Duff, who established the CT-Ireland Trade Commission in 2024 with Senator Daly, was also in attendance.

Gaelic American Club President, Tom Harding, and Vice President Pat Carolan, along with other Executive Committee officials, Phil Dwyer, Treasurer, and Bill Reda, Director, and Bill Lenahan were just a few of the notable Irish Americans from the Gaelic American Club who were in attendance at the welcome dinner.

The evening was filled with lively conversation, shared stories, and a strong sense of purpose — a testament to the enduring spirit of Irish identity in the Constitution State. Senator Duff’s presence at the event further underscored the importance of these transatlantic cultural and economic relationships.

"Gorta: Selections from Ireland’s Great Hunger" remains on view at the Walsh Gallery at Fairfield University through August 16th. Don’t miss this deeply moving tribute to one of the most defining chapters in Irish history.

For more information, visit Fairfield.edu/museum/great-hunger.

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