The 13th Annual Evening with Celtic Chefs Celebrates Dr. Norah Patten, Ireland’s First Astronaut

The 13th Annual Evening with Celtic Chefs took place on June 4th on the rooftop terrace of LiUNA’s headquarters in Washington D.C. This highly anticipated event brought together food enthusiasts, political figures, and the Irish American community to celebrate the rich culinary traditions of the island of Ireland and to support the WIP Class of 2025.

Ireland’s Ambassador to the US, H.E Geraldine Byrne Nason presented the Spirit of WIP Award to Dr. Norah Patten, Ireland's first astronaut. In her acceptance speech, Dr Patten thanked all the people who believed in her and supported her on her journey to space. She shared the story of visiting the NASA facility in Cleveland Ohio when she was just 11 years old and spoke with gratitude about the influence that the US had in making her dream of going to space come true. Dr Patten offered words of encouragement to the WIP Class of 2025 who were volunteering at the event to make the most of all the opportunities that lie ahead for them this summer, and quoted Captain Jean-Luc Picard saying, “things are only impossible until they’re not.”

The speaking program also included remarks from Caithaoirleach Mark Daly (Chair of the Irish Senate), WIP Board Chair Charles John O’Byrne, and WIP Executive Director Nicola Skelly. Faith Drummond from the WIP Class of 2025 served as MC for the speaking program. She spoke about the impact that the Washington Ireland Program has had on her own leadership journey and thanked supporters for their investment in the future of Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Guests were treated to delicious food from the wonderful Celtic Chefs who each presented their signature dishes served with an Irish flair.

We were delighted to welcome back:

Niall Duffy from Two and a Half Irishmen;
Caroline Johnston from Greenisland Bakery; and
Alex Vasquez from RARE Steakhouse and Tavern.

New Celtic Chefs included:

Mark Kirwan from Kirwan’s on the Wharf;
Sarah White from Westover Taco; and
Darren Hendry From Black’s Bar & Kitchen.

Select Irish and Northern Irish food and drink producers were given the opportunity to showcase their brands at the event, including:

The VIP Sous Chef line up included Governor Terry McAuliffe, John McCarthy, Meredith McGraw, Ed O’Keefe and Kerry Kennedy, as well as members of the WIP Board and Leadership Council. The Celtic Chef event supports the Washington Ireland Program's mission of supporting, developing and inspiring the next generation of leaders who work to build peace and prosperity across the island of Ireland. We are delighted to share that through the generosity of the WIP supporter community, we raised $248,000 through the Celtic Chef event.

Huge thanks to all participating Chefs, VIP Sous Chefs, sponsors, volunteers, and guests for making this event so enjoyable and memorable. We look forward to seeing you all next year!