Esteemed Déise diplomat inducted into Irish America Hall of Fame

On Thursday, September 19, on a balmy evening aboard the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a group of people gathered as Waterford’s esteemed diplomat Dan Mulhall was inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame.

Now retired, Mr Mulhall joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2001 and is former Irish Ambassador to the USA, as well as serving this nation in embassies in Berlin, London and Malaysia.

The latter was mentioned by Walter O’Leary, proposer of the honour for Mr Mulhall, who said: “His diplomatic, organisational and above all his humanitarianism was universally recognized in the aftermath of that appalling tsunami which struck South East Asia on December 26, 2004, killing tens of thousands of people.” 

In America, despite the changed political landscape, Mr Mulhall ensured that Irish interests were secured throughout the time of the Trump administration.

Indeed, as Mr O’Leary points out: “Dan succeeded in ensuring that Irish interests were greatly advanced across all spectrums of endeavour. Irish/American relationships became stronger than ever; and there was a great positivity about Ireland and all things Irish at this time.

“This was a remarkable achievement against a backdrop of constant change and political uncertainty.” 

Hailing from the Yellow Road in the heart of Waterford city, since his retirement, Mr Mulhall has been Global Distinguished Professor in Irish Studies at Gluxman Ireland House; Parnell Fellow at Magdalene College Cambridge and has also taught at Harvard Institute of Politics.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Adam Wyse, described the setting of the Dunbrody Visitor Centre in New Ross, “a place so deeply tied to the Irish emigrant story” as “fittingly, the perfect setting for today’s celebration of an extraordinary Irishman and his contributions to Irish-American relations.” 

Describing Mr Mulhall as “an exemplary diplomat, a proud Irishman and a cherished cultural ambassador,” he said the Waterford man’s name would now join the ranks of those who have played “pivotal roles in shaping the bond between Ireland and the United States – a bond forged by history, kinship, and a shared vision for the future”.

He noted that Mr Mulhall’s influence stretched “far beyond diplomatic circles”.

“He has been a bridge between Irish culture and the wider world, a passionate advocate for Irish literature, poetry and history. 

"Whether reciting the works of WB Yeats or James Joyce, he has shown a unique ability to make the richness of Irish culture accessible and alive for global audiences.” 

Congratulating Mr Mulhall, he said: “You are an inspiration, and it is an honour to recognise your lifetime of achievements here today.” 

The Irish America Hall of Fame is an entity created by Irish America Magazine, which recognizes extraordinary figures within the Irish American community, who have had a profound effect on the Irish in America and strengthened the bonds between our respective countries.

Mr O’Leary concluded the ceremony stating: “I suggest that Dan Mulhall has achieved and indeed surpassed this test and as such I am greatly privileged to propose that author, essayist, orator, historian, academic and above all diplomat extraordinary, Professor Dr Daniel Mulhall be inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame.” 

A delighted Dan Mulhall then took to the helm of the ship to accept the accolade, thanking those present for "extending this great honour to me".

During 44 years in the Department of Foreign Affairs, he said: "You end up shaking a bunch of hands for hours on end at these receptions." 

With his wife Greta beside him at the entrance to the various embassies on all those occasions, he said: "She deserves this induction as well."

He continued: "You shake hands, you talk to people, you give a speech and the one thing you hope is that something good will come of this, something will happen that will be productive for Ireland, that will produce benefits for our country...

"I'm delighted to hear that (at) one of my receptions that formidable American university president was sufficiently taken by her meeting with me that she went off and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Walter and what was then WIT, and presumably I hope there's been lots and lots of Americans happily living here in Waterford and enjoying the delights of Waterford."

Irish America

On the subject of Irish America, Mr Mulhall said Irish people get confused when they hear an American saying 'I'm Irish'.

"Irish Americans call themselves Irish," he explained, something that has endured since the great migration of some six million people from Ireland in the second half of the 19th century.

A cohesive community formed across the Atlantic Ocean, borne out of discrimination - causing the Irish to "band together, to protect themselves and to look after their interests", which "eventually became powerful in the way it could deliver benefits for Ireland", Mr Mulhall explained.

"They gathered around the parishes... that's how this Irish identity developed," he said.

"Irish Americans have an extraordinary commitment to Ireland," he continued, outlining the doctors, professors, architects, scientists that have all descended from those Irish who first landed on American shores, as well as those who rose to "high office".

The lobbying power that resulted was reflected in incidences such as Charles Stuart Parnell being welcomed to address Congress.

"The British had to consider the impact of Irish America on Britain's relations with the United States after the First World War when America became the most important power in the world. 

"Irish America continues to be a huge asset to Ireland. We must always cultivate that connection."

Posing for photos after the unveiling of his official Hall of Fame photograph, Mr Mulhall did what he does best, exchanging a personal word with each of those gathered, as he did countless times in the embassy in Washington.

He has done and continues to do Ireland, the South East, and Waterford in particular no small amount of service.