By Business & Finance 
Pictured (L-R): Denis O’Brien, founder of Digicel; Joe English, Intel, US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward S. Walsh; Jim Mintern, CRH; and Ian Hyland, President and Publisher of Business & Finance.
The dinner marked the launch of the Ireland INC US 250 Index 2026, recognising Irish companies’ contribution to the US economy.
US Ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh was recognised at a Business & Finance dinner celebrating the strength of the economic relationship between Ireland and the United States.
Held on 5 November at the Stephen’s Green Club, the dinner brought together business leaders and representatives from across the Irish-American business community. The event recognised US Ambassador Ed Walsh for his contribution to the relationship between the two countries, alongside the role played by businesses in strengthening transatlantic investment and trade.
The evening also saw recognition of Intel for its long-standing investment in Ireland and CRH for its growth and expansion in the United States.
Intel has maintained a significant presence in Ireland for more than three decades, becoming an important part of the country’s technology and manufacturing sector. Its operations have also contributed to the development of a wider network of suppliers and businesses.
CRH, which was formed in Ireland in 1970, has built a substantial international business. The company entered the US market in 1976 with an acquisition in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has since expanded its presence through a long programme of acquisitions.
The dinner also marked the launch of the Ireland INC US 250 Index 2026, a new initiative highlighting the presence of Irish companies across the United States. The index brings together 250 Irish corporations operating in the US and aims to provide greater visibility to the scale and reach of Irish business investment in the market.
The launch comes as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence in 2026, providing an opportunity to recognise the contribution of Irish businesses to the country’s economy.
The event brought together organisations involved in developing and supporting commercial ties between Ireland and the United States.
