In the city of Chicago, where an Irish link to the old country holds strong

Though Irish immigration to the US is declining in recent decades, on his visit to the Windy City, Sean Murray encounters a still vibrant and pro-active Irish-American community that continues to evolve and re-invent itself

An Irish dancer at the Ireland Network Ball in Chicago in February 2024. Photo: The Ireland Network/ Emma Cancilla Photography

It’s 9.30am on a Thursday morning in February and most of the dozens of people in the room should be at work. Usually, these events would be on during the evening, when more could make it, but the guest of honour has a packed itinerary to get through.

Despite it being in a city of 2.7 million people, many here know each other. There’s the local GAA, of course. There’s a group made up of young professionals. There’s the local charities and volunteer groups.