First in our "Pizza & Policy Perspectives" Series: ☘️Ireland | Austin

Description

Pizza & Policy Perspectives with the Center for European Studies at University of Texas at Austin.

This particular session will focus on Ireland ☘️, and we are very lucky to joined by Consul General John Forde to present the policy positions and perspectives of Ireland.  Join us to learn and engage.

• Thursday, 5 November 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm
• Robert L. Patton Building, Room RLP 1.302E, University of Texas at Austin, 305 E 23rd St, Austin, TX 78712 
• Event Cost: Free (for all), courtesy of the Consulate General of Ireland.  Please register!
• Parking (own cost): Brazos garage or San Jacinto garage

Consul General of Ireland, Austin

John Forde

Consul General John Forde leads Ireland's engagement across the states of Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

John's career began as an army officer in the Irish Defence Forces, attaining the rank of Captain in the Cavalry Corps. He served at tactical, operational, and strategic levels during his 13 years of service, which included five deployments to the Middle East with the United Nations, serving in Lebanon, Syria and Jerusalem. He joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2020 as Deputy Director of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation and subsequently served for four years as Deputy Head of Mission at Ireland's Embassy in Abu Dhabi, strengthening bilateral ties and representing the broad range of Irish interests across the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.

Originally from Newry, County Down, John now happily calls Austin home, where he lives with his wife, Louise, and their four children. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling and swimming in Austin's beautiful parks, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant live music scene, and following the mixed fortunes of Down's Gaelic football team.