Galway City Mayor opens Chicago Sister City Programme at Ireland House

This week, Galway City Council has officially opened its 2026 Sister City delegation visit to Chicago with a reception at Ireland House hosted by Acting Consul General Pádraig Manning. The event marked the beginning of a three?day programme focused on strengthening civic, cultural, educational, and economic ties between Galway and Chicago.

Acting Consul General Pádraig Manning being presented with a gift by the Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu at the Mayoral Reception at Ireland House.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Helen Ogbu addressed attendees, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the delegation. She highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between the two cities, noting the shared values of migration, community, and opportunity.

“Standing here tonight as Mayor of Galway City means a great deal to me personally,” she said. “Chicago understands better than almost anywhere the power of migration, community, and opportunity. Those values shaped this city, and they shape Galway today.”

The Mayor acknowledged the work of the Sister Cities Committee, including Co?Chairs Nuala Kavanagh and John Wrenn, and representatives Maya and Karissa from Chicago Sister Cities International. She also recognised the Galway City and County councillors travelling as part of the delegation.

The Galway delegation includes representatives from Galway Chamber, University of Galway, Atlantic Technological University, Platform 94, Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Galway Technical Institute, and the Galway Convention Bureau. Their participation reflects the broad scope of collaboration underway between the two cities.

The Mayor emphasised that the visit is focused on learning from best practice in Chicago and Milwaukee, deepening partnerships, and opening new doors for Galway’s people, students, businesses, and cultural organisations.

The delegation will participate in a series of engagements over the coming days, including economic briefings, youth development meetings, cultural events, and civic discussions.