Irish Senator Mark Daly Visits Xavier

Irish Senator Mark Daly visited Xavier on September 14, meeting with students, faculty, and administrators about Ireland and Irish-American relations.

As chairperson of the Ireland America Association, which promotes the strong and enduring links between Ireland and the United States, Sen. Daly has become acquainted with many Irish-American leaders, including Xavier alumnus Joe Tully ’96, an active supporter of the American Ireland Fund. Mr. Tully helped orchestrate Sen. Daly’s visit to 16th Street.

While at Xavier, Sen. Daly invited students to travel to Ireland next March to receive an Irish tricolor as part of the 2016 Easter Rising Centenary Programme. On March 7, 2016, the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation, in partnership with the Irish Department of Arts and Heritage, will present tricolors that have flown from 33 The Mall in Waterford—where Meagher first flew the Irish flag—to secondary schools throughout Ireland and the world.

Xavier President Jack Raslowsky accepted Sen. Daly’s invitation on behalf of Xavier High School—a place deeply intertwined with Meagher’s legacy. In an interesting twist of fate, a Xavier alumnus saved Meagher’s life at the First Battle of Bull Run during the Civil War. After serving as governor of the Montana Territory, Meagher’s funeral was held in New York City at the Church of St. Francis Xavier.

“We’re honored to be invited and excited to participate,” Mr. Raslowsky said. “This is a great example of Xavier in the world.”