Strong Mayo presence as Biden attends Boston St. Patrick’s Day event

FORMER US President Joe Biden delighted Boston Irish American Partnership supporters with a surprise appearance at the organisation's annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast, celebrating its 40th anniversary and the enduring bond between Ireland and America.

Mayo's Norah Patten, aeronautical engineer and aspiring astronaut, was among the guest speakers, while a video message was sent from former President Mary Robinson.

Long known for his deep pride in his Irish roots, including Mayo, President Biden chose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day morning with the Irish American Partnership community in Boston - a fitting moment for an organisation that for four decades has strengthened the ties between Ireland and the United States through a $63 million philanthropic investment in education and opportunity for young people across Ireland. More than 480 guests gathered at the InterContinental Boston for the celebration.

Introduced by Ambassador Claire D. Cronin (Ret.), former United States Ambassador to Ireland, President Biden reflected on the shared heritage and enduring friendship between the two nations: “Coming up Irish American gave me pride that spoke to both sides of the Atlantic. Heart and soul, the truth of the old and the new. I learned the values passed down from generation to generation around countless Irish-American dinner tables, just like my own. Those Irish values became American values.

"On this St. Patrick's Day, we honour where we came from. Let us not forget and romanticise the visions of the past. Instead, let us remember what's possible, and recommit ourselves to the unified work that lies ahead."

Mary Sugrue, president and CEO of the Irish American Partnership, said as the organisation celebrates its 40th year, Mr. Biden's presence was 'a powerful reminder of the pride so many Irish Americans feel in their heritage and of the extraordinary bonds that continue to connect Ireland and America'.

Held each year in Boston, the breakfast has become one of New England’s most beloved St. Patrick’s Day traditions, bringing together leaders from government, business, philanthropy, and the wider Irish American community.

This year’s celebration featured an outstanding line-up of speakers including Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, keynote speaker Minister Helen McEntee, and Dr. Norah Patten, Mayo aeronautical engineer and astronaut candidate expected to become the first Irish person to travel to space later this year.

Guests also enjoyed a musical performance by Irish tenor Andrew Gavin, and a special video greeting message from Mary Robinson, who lauded the organisation.

Dedicated to connecting Irish America and friends of Ireland to their heritage through targeted giving, the Partnership invests in education, community development, and peace initiatives across the island of Ireland. Since 1986, supporters have raised more than $63 million for young people and communities, north and south, empowering and educating the next generation of global leaders.