Gavin Tierney, Áine Mallaghan, Neil Murray, Dan Gibbons, Brian Cahalane, Deputy Secretary Sonja Hyland, Grainne O’Brien
Members of The Ireland Funds Chicago Regional Advisory Committee were delighted to join Deputy Secretary General of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Sonja Hyland, for dinner on her visit to Chicago.
The Deputy Secretary previously served as Ireland’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union (2017-2019) and Ambassador to Mexico (2013-2017), as well as the Department’s Political Director, where she oversaw Ireland’s political relations including the campaign for and membership of the United Nations Security Council in 2021/2022.
Deputy Secretary Hyland had a two-day visit to Chicago before traveling to South America on the rest of her itinerary.
Sonja spoke to guests on the importance of the relationship between Ireland and the United States and encouraged guests to continue their support of these unique ties. She also spoke of her past experiences in Mexico, Ethiopia and the African union, sharing stories from her time there.
The Ireland Funds is grateful to the Consulate of Ireland in Chicago and especially to Consul General Brian Cahalane for the invitation and opportunity to meet with Deputy Secretary Hyland.
