Spotlight on Ireland with Consul General Cahalane

This event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.

From shared agricultural foundations to current economic goals and prospects, Ireland and Minnesota have more in common than a similar population size and GDP. Influences of Irish heritage in dance studios, music venues, and art galleries are found across the state, while expanding financial ties continue to deepen these connections. What’s next for this growing partnership?

Join Global Minnesota and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs for a lively conversation with the new Consul General of Ireland in Chicago, Brian Cahalane. Consul General Cahalane brings years of foreign ministry experience to his role and will broadly discuss Ireland’s trade and political goals, as well as the importance of Irish ties to the Midwest. The conversation will be moderated by Professor Eric Schwartz, Chair of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs Global Policy Area.

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About the Speaker:

Consul General Brian Cahalane

Consul General Cahalane was appointed Consul General to the Midwestern United States in September 2024. He joined the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs in 1992, serving in the Development Cooperation Division. Since then, he has served in numerous roles, including at the Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels and policy advisor to the National Parliament. His work also includes time at the United Nations headquarters in New York and the Irish Embassy in Washington D.C.

Before joining the Foreign Service, Brian worked in the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. He is a graduate of the University of Galway in Banking & Finance and the Institute of Public Administration. The eldest of seven children, he was born in Dublin, and grew up in both Dublin and Galway.

Moderator: Professor Eric Schwartz

Professor Eric Schwartz is Chair of the Humphrey School’s Global Policy Area. Schwartz previously served as Dean of the Humphrey School, and worked for five years as President of Refugees International. He has also served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, Senior Director at the National Security Council at the White House, and Special Assistant to the President for Multilateral and Humanitarian Affairs.

He holds a law degree from New York University School of Law; a Master of Public Affairs degree from Princeton University; and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton.

Please contact Katie Kelley at [email protected] for questions or accessibility accommodations.