On Friday night, September 29th, 2017, the Washington, DC Young Leaders gathered for their annual “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Celebration” at a new venue, Ajax.
The event committee arrived early to mingle and enjoy a toast before the main party began.
While guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and sipped cocktails, honoree Matt Walsh, the Emmy-nominated star of Veep on HBO arrived, along with other VIP guests, including Ireland’s new Ambassador to the US, Dan Mulhall and Norman Houston, Director of The Northern Ireland Bureau.
Later in the evening, National Director of The Young Leaders, Pat Tully welcomed the guests and introduced the ambassador for some brief remarks. DC Steering Committee Chair, John McCarthy, then thanked the committee and introduced Norman Houston.
Matt Walsh then took to the podium to accept the Irish Spirit Award. Matt spoke about his beginning in entertainment, starting the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York and his fond memories of growing up in an Irish-American household in Chicago.
Following Matt’s remarks, Pat Tully conducted a live auction that included a trip to Ireland courtesy of Delta Air Lines.
The evening continued with live music from the Burren Band and an after party at The Irish Channel.
Special thanks to the event committee and sponsors: The Northern Ireland Bureau, Merrill Lynch, DayBlink, Blessinger Law Firm and Union Beer Distributors.
Photography credit: Marty Katz
