The 4th Annual Brian J. Donnelly Award for Leadership in Public Service
About this Event
Attire - Business Formal
Event Style - Cocktail Reception with Specialty Food Stations
**All proceeds from this event will go towards continuing the Irish Cultural Centre’s mission of preserving and promoting Irish culture through music, dance, arts, history, language, sports, and more.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Congressman Brian J. Donnelly
Brian J. Donnelly, United States Congressman from Boston and former United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, was an advocate for his district, fighting relentlessly for his constituents and for the causes he believed in. His commitment to public service spanned his entire career. One of his most passionate projects was creating the Donnelly Visa, which helped many in Ireland to emigrate to the United States and follow the American Dream. This program extended to other nations and has had a profound impact on tens of thousands of families that now call the United States home. To honor Congressman Donnelly’s legacy of public service, the Irish Cultural Centre is proud to announce this year’s worthy recipient is Ambassador Claire D. Cronin (Ret.).
Ambassador Claire Cronin served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from January 2022 to January 2025. As Ambassador, she advanced U.S. foreign policy positions in the region and strengthened economic ties between Ireland and the United States. Through strategic corporate engagement and targeted commercial diplomacy, she focused on trade and investment growth, playing a pivotal role in elevating Ireland from the 9th to the 6th largest foreign direct investor in the United States.
She led efforts to safeguard economic stability in the aftermath of Brexit. Ambassador Cronin focused on engaging with U.S. multinationals in all sectors, and spearheaded efforts to increase Irish investment in the United States through SelectUSA and the Embassy’s flagship economic summit.
Ambassador Cronin continues her commitment to strengthening the U.S.- Ireland relationship by advising both Irish and American businesses seeking to expand their global footprints. She also serves on the Advisory Council of the Irish American partnership.
She was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to U.S.- Ireland Partnership Award by Ireland INC for her role in reinforcing the economic and diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Ireland.
Ambassador Cronin served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 2013 to 2022. She made history as the first woman to serve as Majority Leader in the House and the first woman to serve as House Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. As Judiciary Chair, Ambassador Cronin was the architect of the most comprehensive criminal justice reform law in decades.
As a legislator, Ambassador Cronin focused on economic development and education. She was a strong supporter of the startup ecosystem, evidenced by her legislation that was passed and created an angel investment tax credit in Massachusetts.
She served on the House Ways and Means Committee, the Joint Committee on the Judiciary (as both Chair and Vice Chair), the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, the House Ethics Committee, and the House Rules Committee.
Ambassador Cronin is a trial lawyer and served as a mediator and arbitrator at Commonwealth Mediation and Arbitration, specializing in civil disputes, including business, construction, and
personal injury cases. Notably, she served as an arbitrator in the landmark clergy sexual abuse cases involving the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.
Ambassador Cronin is a member of the Massachusetts Bar, and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. She is a graduate of Stonehill College and Suffolk University Law School.
Ambassador Claire Cronin is currently a Scholar in Residence for Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is a Senior Policy Advisor at Smith, Costello, & Crawford.
Agenda
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM
VIP Cocktail Reception - Invite Only
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Award Ceremony
🕑: 08:00 PM
Music & Dancing with Dave Try
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 108.55 to USD 2135.99
