On Wednesday March 19, the Irish Institute of Boston College, the University of Galway and Queen's University Belfast are proud to continue their ongoing collaboration examining the trajectory of US-Ireland relations. This unique all-island and transatlantic institutional collaboration focuses specifically on the United States' historic, current and future contributions to peacebuilding and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, north and south.

The conference features prominent political figures from Ireland, Northern Ireland and the US, as well as distinguished experts on the history and politics of Northern Ireland. With contributions from Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal and former Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney, the conference will provide informed perspectives and insights at an important time for US-Ireland relations. 

The 2025 annual conference will discuss new details and insights about the recent history and politics of US-Ireland/Northern Ireland relations and it will address the potential future role of the US, especially in light of changing domestic politics in the US and on the island of Ireland. This timely event represents a careful examination and analysis of one of the island of Ireland’s most important diplomatic relationships.

All are welcome but places are limited so registration is necessary. Please register here. 

9.15am-9.45am          Welcome & Opening Remarks

Provost David Quigley, Boston College

Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer, Queen’s University Belfast

Vice President Dr Helen Maher, University of Galway

9.45am-10.30am        Simon Coveney, former Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs

10:30am-10.45am:     Tea/Coffee

10.45am-12.00pm      Academic Perspectives

Chair: Dr Cera Murtagh, Villanova University

Prof Mary C Murphy, Boston College

Dr Peter McLoughlin, Queen’s University Belfast

Prof Niall Ó Dochartaigh, University of Galway

12.00pm-1.15pm        Light buffet lunch

1.15pm-2.45pm          Practitioners Perspectives

Claire Cronin, former US Ambassador to Ireland

Mark Durkan, former leader of the SDLP

Lee Reynolds, former Director of Policy for the DUP

2.45pm-3.00pm          Tea/coffee

3.00pm-4.00pm         Congressman Richard Neal  

A complimentary drinks reception will follow the event at 4.00pm. 

For questions regarding parking, please refer to Boston College’s Visitor Parking advice.