Ambassador on Both Sides of the Pond
This summer, during a three-week stay in Ireland, I was often asked, “What is San Francisco like for the Irish?” Whether on the Pacific or Atlantic side, I find myself acting as an informal ambassador, promoting and celebrating all things Irish. My role at the Center amplifies this, as we continually engage with supporters about our work for the local community and our connection to Ireland.
While recent emigration from Ireland to the Bay Area has slowed, the Irish American community here is vibrant, energetic, and growing. According to the latest U.S. Census, around 750,000 people in the wider Bay Area identify as Irish or Irish American. This is no surprise, considering that in the 1870s, 30% of San Francisco’s population was Irish-born.
As an ambassador for the Irish Center, I take pride in sharing our mission and activities with people both locally and in Ireland. Whenever I’m in Ireland, I speak passionately about the vibrant Irish community we’ve built in San Francisco, where we celebrate and preserve our rich cultural heritage. The Center serves as a vital hub for Irish arts, music, and traditions, offering a unique connection to home for those on the Pacific coast. By promoting the Center, we aim to build bridges between our communities, fostering a shared identity and encouraging support from those who might one day visit or contribute to its growth.
The View from Ireland
At the California-Ireland economic impact meeting in Dublin this July, we were warmly welcomed by several Irish politicians and senior civil servants who have seen our work firsthand. It was gratifying to hear these officials introduce us to their colleagues, highlighting the contributions we make for Ireland on the West Coast. This positive feedback reflects the efforts of our board and community in representing Ireland. Irish government officials are closely monitoring our ambitious plans and will be advocates for our new home once we break ground.
A visit to Carlow town to connect with our new cultural partners, “Made in Carlow,” reinforced our partnership and set the stage for future collaboration. There are countless cultural exchange opportunities awaiting us in the years ahead.
On a related note, the California-Ireland summit revealed that 292 California companies have trade connections with Ireland, with the vast majority based in the Bay Area.
Working on the Railway
During my trip to Ireland, I took the train from Mallow to Dublin and was pleasantly surprised by the affordable cost, comfort, and speed—it took just 2 hours and 5 minutes. I was encouraged by the recent announcement of the All-Island Rail Review, a €36 billion investment in an island-wide rail network. The proposals include building new stations and railway lines, reopening abandoned routes, electrifying existing lines, and creating dual and four-track lines to avoid congestion. The plan would connect Galway to Derry, Cork to Ballina, and Co Mayo to many other counties in the West, Midlands, South-East, and North, where rail journeys are currently limited. Dublin, Belfast, and Shannon airports would also have rail connections, allowing 90% of airline passengers to travel by train. The final plan is expected by the end of this year.
And yes, in case you’re wondering—the return train to Mallow left on time. Technology has advanced so much that my name was digitally labeled on my seat when I boarded. Amazing!
Into the West
August marked a significant transition as families bid farewell to college-bound children, including members of our own community, some of whom are pursuing higher education with support from our Leo T. Walsh scholarship program. In mid-August, I embarked on a road trip to Golden, Colorado, where my oldest son Shane is attending college. The journey covered 1,287 miles, took 18.5 hours, and spanned two days, crossing the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, and Rockies, with an overnight stop in Salt Lake City.
Great Wide Open
What struck me most was the vastness of the American West. The endless open spaces made it clear that development isn’t likely to overtake these landscapes anytime soon. It’s comforting to know that much of the western interior remains untouched, preserved for future generations to appreciate.
However, even in these expansive lands, traces of human impact—electric poles, windmills, or cow paths—are evident. This contrasts with San Francisco, where we are concentrated in a small geographic area. This closeness fosters a stronger sense of community, something difficult to maintain if spread out over thousands of miles. While I marveled at the landscape, I was also grateful for the flight home—a powerful 737 jet that whisked me back to San Francisco in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.
To all those heading off to college this month, we wish you the best of luck.
Harvest Festival
On Saturday, September 28, we will host our first-ever Harvest Festival, closing down 45th Ave and opening the Center’s doors to the community for a full day of music, food, and dancing. Save the date!
Theatre at the Center
This September, we’re hosting two theatre plays at the Center. Belfast-based Kabosh Theatre Company will present Green and Blue on Saturday, September 7, at 7:00pm, and LA-based Alan Smyth will star in A Night in November on Friday, September 13. Tickets are available via eventbrite for both productions.
Liam Reidy, President
lreidy@irishcentersf.org