By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Minister for Health of Ireland, Ian Hyland, President of Ireland INC, Congressman Mike Lawler, US House of Representatives
Ireland INC’s 13th annual Ireland Day at the New York Stock Exchange brought together a distinguished group of US and Irish business and political leaders to discuss the evolving transatlantic business relationship, with a particular focus on technology, investment, and the opportunities ahead for Irish businesses in the US market.
This year’s Ireland Day featured a roundtable centred on the theme ‘Navigating Expansion and Overcoming Obstacles to Growth’. A key theme emerging from this year’s discussions was the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its place in the global investment landscape. Also discussed was strategies for scaling Irish business investment in the US. The forum was followed by Ireland INC ringing the NYSE opening bell, marking the start of trading on Wall Street.
AI and Investment – A Call to Action
Oisin Hanrahan, CEO and founder of Keychain Modern Manufacturing, and a prominent US-based Irish entrepreneur, highlighted the stark contrast in AI investment patterns between regions, underscoring the need for Ireland and Europe to take decisive action in fostering AI innovation.
He remarked: “It’s striking how little AI features in conversations around where investment is heading and where returns are expected. A recent comparison I saw listed half a dozen remarkable AI companies in New York, yet a follow-up post showed that a single coffee shop in San Francisco housed more AI startups than all of New York.
“This concentration of early-stage AI innovation is significant because investors are looking for technology-driven returns. If Europe intensifies its investment in AI, as it seems poised to do, we have the opportunity to establish real centres of excellence across key technologies. Ireland must be strategic in ensuring it can emerge as the AI Silicon Valley of Europe.”
Pictured: Consul General Helena Nolan, Consulate General Ireland, New York, and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Minister for Health
The Future of Technology in Business
Echoing this sentiment, Ian Hyland, President of Ireland INC, emphasised the role of technology in shaping the future of business, stating: “Technology is no longer just an enabler of business—it is the business. From AI to blockchain and quantum computing, the companies that embrace emerging technologies will define the next wave of economic growth. Ireland is uniquely positioned to lead in this space, not only as a tech hub in Europe but as a bridge for transatlantic innovation. As AI and digital transformation reshape industries, it is imperative that Irish businesses seize the opportunity to be at the forefront of this revolution.”
Strengthening Transatlantic Business Relations
The Ireland INC Leadership Forum continued to deeper economic collaboration between Ireland and the United States, reinforcing Ireland’s position as the 6th largest Foreign Direct Investor (FDI) in the US. The discussion underscored the importance of fostering innovation, particularly in emerging technologies, as a means of sustaining this strong economic partnership.
Wilbur Ross, former Secretary of Commerce, said that Ireland could be “a very useful partner” for the United States as trade discussions evolve in the coming months. He noted Ireland’s positive role in the EU and that Ireland could use this position to bridge a better understanding of US interests. He also encouraged Ireland to proactively engage with the US Sovereign Wealth Fund, an initiative recently announced by the President and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
Pictured: Lucinda Creighton, Vulcan Consulting, Michael E. Burke, Arnall Golden Gregory, and Paul Connolly, Founder of Connolly Capital
Throughout the roundtable discussion held in the NYSE, US participants with strong ties to the current administration noted that there are “irritants in the US-Ireland trade relationship that have never existed before”. In response, Irish CEOs present outlined their scaling investments in the US and the need to amplify that their investments move beyond jobs alone.
Conor Galvin, CEO of Ornua, announced that Kerrygold had just broken the $1bn sales threshold and also contributed $250m per annum in purchased goods in the US. “We are heavily invested in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and also Illinois. That investment is important to us because it allows us to access good people … We have a huge growth ambition in the US.”
Mike Lawler, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York’s 17th district, said: “The Ireland Day Leadership Forum at the New York Stock Exchange is a powerful symbol of the unbreakable US-Ireland economic partnership. This event brings together leaders from business and government to celebrate our shared successes and forge new pathways for collaboration, innovation, and economic growth.
“As a proud Irish-American, I am deeply committed to strengthening this alliance through championing initiatives like the AOH Act to bring more Irish talent to America’s shores and advocating for policies that enhance our mutual prosperity.”
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health of Ireland, said: “On behalf of the Irish Government, I was delighted to join Ireland INC for what has become a landmark event for our global St Patrick’s Day and a moment to celebrate Irish business and economic success. Ireland and the US have a significant and mutually beneficial economic relationship that is now valued at over one trillion euros.”
Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec, said: “Ireland Day at NYSE bridges the great liquidity flows that mark the remarkable corporate investment story of Ireland and the USA that enhances our joint prosperity”
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