Join Partnership friends, Chicago-area business, political, and community leaders, as we celebrate the most Irish of holidays, St. Patrick’s Day! We celebrate the deep bond between Ireland and the United States—a connection rooted in history and strengthened by a shared vision for a brighter future. This enduring partnership continues to enrich lives on both sides of the Atlantic. We are especially delighted to celebrate the Partnership’s first Chicago event of 2026 – marking our 40th anniversary year. For forty years, our community has come together to invest in education, opportunity, and hope for young people, and we are deeply grateful for your support as we commemorate this milestone year. The Irish American Partnership is honored to welcome Ireland’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD as our keynote speaker. Minister Browne previously served as Minister of State with the Department of Justice, with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform, and Youth Justice. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2016 as a representative of Wexford. He has served as the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Mental Health, leading initiatives to reform mental health services in Ireland. This year’s guest speaker is NFL kicker for the New Orleans Saints, Charlie Smyth. A former standout in Gaelic football, Charlie successfully transitioned to American football, bringing athleticism and composure to the professional stage. Charlie has trained extensively with Leader Kicking, an organization that creates and supports a pathway for young Irish athletes to access a United States college education