top of page

Meet Brian Cahalane: Chicago’s New Consul General, Bringing Ireland Closer to the Midwest

Writer's picture: Nellie MurphyNellie Murphy

Brian Cahalane at this year's IFC Christmas Luncheon.
Brian Cahalane at this year's IFC Christmas Luncheon.

 

Brian Cahalane’s appointment as Ireland’s Consul General in Chicago ushered in a new and exciting chapter for the city’s vibrant Irish community. Born in Dublin and raised in Galway, Brian now calls Chicago home. His journey reflects Ireland and Chicago's enduring and deep-rooted connection, bridging generations and continents.


Brian's path to becoming Consul General wasn’t an accident—it's a culmination of a career steeped in both international relations and community involvement. "I've always had an interest in foreign and international affairs," he shares. "That led me to work with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and take on roles in Brussels, Geneva, New York, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Northern Ireland."


While Brian has been steeped in diplomacy and international work for years, it’s his connection to Chicago that makes him particularly excited about his new role. His first visit to the city, and the U.S. was 40 years ago with Pat Noonan, a friend who at the time worked at O’Hare, and ever since, the city has left an indelible mark on him. Today, he’s keen to continue strengthening the ties between Ireland and the Midwest, where Irish culture, heritage, and business have deep roots.


Strengthening the Bond: The Mission of the Consulate

The Consulate General in Chicago was one of the first Irish consulates to open in the U.S. back in 1933, and its mission has remained the same: to foster strong political, economic, and cultural relationships between Ireland and the Midwest. With a focus on Chicago but also covering neighboring states, Brian and his team are committed to nurturing these ties, which have evolved significantly over the decades.


"Ireland’s relationship with Chicago has grown in so many ways," Brian reflects. "We have a vibrant two-way economic relationship, with Irish businesses thriving in the Midwest and Midwestern companies making their mark in Ireland. Our work extends from government initiatives to educational exchanges with local universities like DePaul, Notre Dame, Indiana University, and so many others. We are seeing more young professionals coming to Chicago on J1 visas and many Americans traveling in the opposite direction through the Working Holiday Authorization program. It's exciting to see how these connections continue to grow."


A New Chapter: Ireland House and Upcoming Events

With a move into a new space—Ireland House—on the horizon, there’s a palpable sense of momentum at the Consulate. "We’re planning to be settled by the end of February, just in time for our St. Patrick’s Day celebrations," Brian shares. This new office will allow the Consulate to be even more active in Chicago, as it partners with Ireland's economic state agencies to help Irish businesses grow and attract investment to Ireland.


The Consulate isn’t just about business, it’s about people. From pop-up consulates at the Irish Heritage Center and Gaelic Park to outreach at events like Milwaukee Irish Fest, Brian is passionate about bringing the Consulate to the community—and vice versa. "We’re excited about the new event space and the chance to interact more with the people here. It's about fostering relationships, whether that’s through cultural events or citizen services."


Building Stronger Communities

One of Brian's most memorable experiences so far has been attending the Fellowship Christmas Luncheon, an event that truly captured the spirit of Chicago’s Irish community. With prominent figures like the Cardinal, the Mayor, and Senator Durbin in attendance, it was an opportunity to witness firsthand the enduring bond between Ireland and Chicago. "What struck me was how proud people are of their Irish heritage," Brian says. "It’s inspiring to see such a strong, supportive community, even for those whose roots go back generations."


And as the relationship between Ireland and Chicago continues to evolve, the Consulate is committed to supporting that community through its wide range of services. Whether you’re an Irish citizen living in the U.S. or an American with Irish heritage, the Consulate is here to assist and provide guidance. "We encourage everyone to connect with us," Brian says. "Our website is a great starting point, and we’re always available via email, phone, or in person. You can also follow us on social media to stay updated on all our events and activities."


Looking Ahead: A Year Full of Promising Connections

Looking forward, Brian is excited about several key events, including a screening of Mary Robinson’s film at the Chicago Irish Film Festival in February, and a special event at DePaul University thanks to a generous donation from the Irish Fellowship Club. These initiatives, alongside sports diplomacy events like the Aer Lingus College Football Classic involving Iowa State and Kansas State in Dublin and the Ireland vs. New Zealand All Blacks rugby match in November, all serve to strengthen the ties between the two nations in meaningful ways.


As the year unfolds, one thing is clear: with Brian Cahalane at the helm, the Irish Consulate in Chicago is more committed than ever to building on the strong foundations laid over the past 90 years—and creating even more opportunities for connection, collaboration, and community.


In Brian’s words, the Irish Consulate can be summed up in three words: Representation, Support, and Development. These principles guide every decision, every interaction, and every initiative. And with his passion for both Ireland and the Midwest, there's no doubt that Brian will continue to be a driving force in strengthening this vital transatlantic bond.


 

Stay connected with the Irish Consulate on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).



131 views0 comments

Comentarios


bottom of page