Local Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, recently returned from his St Patrick’s Day Government duties in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, where he met with diaspora from the constituency of Longford/Westmeath.
During Deputy Burke’s time in Atlanta he met with constituents from Athlone, including Brian Lynam, who attended the Irish reception for in excess of 300 people. Hailing from Beechpark West, Brian works for Boston Scientific in Atlanta.
He also met the Irish born president of Coca Cola, John Murphy, and accompanying him to this meeting was Ballymahon native Enda Trautt. He addressed the Georgia State Senate and House of Representatives, raising the war in Gaza and the need for the international community to step up efforts to stop the violence and senseless war.
In Savannah he led the parade, which saw 800,000 people descend upon the Georgia city, making it the second largest parade worldwide. The trip also included a visit to Georgia Tech, an address to an international relations graduate lecture, and a number of business engagements, including a launch of a new programme led by another Longford native, Andrea Reynolds.
Atlanta is the fastest growing city in the US, home to many Fintech companies looking to expand and Minister Burke had the chance to speak to many and outline the benefits of basing their European headquarters in the midlands, where we have fantastic graduates and great infrastructure.
