Caption (above): Irish Ambassador to the United States Daniel Mulhall presents the tricolour flag of Ireland to Brian McGlinchey as honorary consul.
By Katharine Gilbert
Brian McGlinchey was appointed Ireland’s Honorary Consul to the State of Delaware in Wilmington on Dec. 3, 2021. Irish Ambassador Daniel Mulhall presented McGlinchey with the official Irish flag and escutcheon—an ornamental shield bearing an image of a harp, Ireland’s official emblem—for his new office.
We asked Brian McGlinchey a few questions about this tremendous honor and how he views his responsibilities:
1. When did you know you were being considered for this appointment and why?
I learned of this appointment ages ago from the former US Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O’Malley who spoke to the Irish government about the feasibility of establishing a consulate office in our region. There was a long vetting process and I was selected after numerous interviews, recommendations and credentials, reference and security checks.
I grew up attending the Irish Club of Chester, PA events, where my parents were active members and my sisters learned Irish dance.
2. Have you been active in Irish affairs in Delaware over the years, and in what capacity?
As an adult, I became a proud founding member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Wilmington Rev. James F. Trainor Division, early member of the St. Patrick’s Society, which raises funds for St. Patrick’s Center, member of both Irish Culture Club of Delaware — where one year I painted the heralded green stripe on King Street for the parade, and New Castle County Irish Society, where we love spending every St. Patrick’s Day.
In addition, I serve as a national co-chair of the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington DC. (I’m also enrolled in the Irish studies programme at the National University of Ireland — Galway, purely for personal enjoyment and as a way to stay current.) The Governor of Delaware, John Carney, a proud leader of Irish descent, formed a commission on Irish culture and heritage and it is my distinct pleasure to serve as an appointed member.
3. Were you always aware of your Irish heritage as a child?
Yes. It was in my DNA. In my home. In my heart and soul. It was the very fabric of my being. And it was instilled in me at birth, I was practically baptized in the River Liffey. My father was born in Derry, with family also from Donegal and in West Belfast, Leitrum and Dublin. Lots of cousins in Dublin. Mom’s family is direct from Westport area near Clew Bay in County Mayo — the O’Malleys. Both sides actually.
4. What do you see as your most important duty as new Irish consul in Delaware, and where will your office be located?
My main duties are to be present and pleasant. I represent the Irish government. This is not a vanity appointment but rather we do real work in the Department of Foreign Affairs. Irish American relations are critically important to both countries and administrations. I will remain senior advisor at McCarter & English, LLP based in Washington DC, Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE.
I will manage the consulate office in the Station office operated by CSC adjacent to the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amtrak Train Station at the Wilmington Riverfront servicing Irish citizens who reside in the Delaware Valley and State for citizenship, visas, passports and coordinating pro bono legal and social services for immigrants — the usual and customary duties.
In addition, I will serve as a cultural attaché and be engaged in sponsoring and co- sponsoring cultural, athletic, musical, performance and mixed media arts events in partnership with local groups and with Ambassador and Embassy and New York Consulate General and our New York office.
Another responsibility of the position is to promote Irish investment or local investment in Ireland. Dublin is a tech, bio and pharmaceutical industry giant in Europe. Tons of opportunities in Ireland and a myriad of ways to foster greater business communication and expansion exist in Eire.
5. What impact does your selection as First Honorary Consul in the First State have on you and your family?
The impact on me and my family is humbling. We are called to serve. To whom much is given — much is expected; the old Kennedy axiom.
It’s not about me or my family, though it is certainly an honor, it is about Irish families. My late father is smiling — but my test will be not meeting the standard of excellence he set —but — rather, exceeding it. Simply making all of us Irish proud in our work.
