Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival! This week, host Tara Reese welcomes Nicole Sheils Deputy Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta, representing the US Southeast.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

Nicole shares her impressive career journey from Dublin, including her time working in various capacities within the Irish civil service and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The discussion highlights the importance of fostering Irish culture and community in the Southeast US, with particular emphasis on economic ties, youth engagement, and historical connections. Nicole also reveals exciting upcoming projects, including the USA 250 celebrations and the launch of a lecture series on Irish immigration stories. Listeners will gain insight into the vibrant cultural exchanges and diplomatic efforts that strengthen the bonds between Ireland and the Southeast US.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Website: Consulate General Of Ireland, Atlanta | Ireland.ie | Ireland.ie

Facebook: Consulate General of Ireland, Atlanta | Atlanta GA | Facebook

Instagram: Consulate General of Ireland - US Southeast (@irelandatlanta) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Consulate General of Ireland, Atlanta | LinkedIn

Newsletter: Consulate General of Ireland Atlanta

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:14 Meet Nicole Shiels: Deputy Council General of Ireland

00:56 Nicole's Career Journey

02:30 Experiences in the US and St. Patrick's Day Parade

05:49 Role and Responsibilities of the Consulate

08:06 Economic and Cultural Connections

09:08 Irish Heritage in the Southeast

12:08 Future Goals and Initiatives

19:10 Irish-American Connections Today

20:19 Celebrating Irish Culture and Heritage

21:37 The Role of the Irish Diaspora

24:04 Irish Cultural Influence and Storytelling

29:42 Economic and Educational Partnerships

35:43 Upcoming Initiatives and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast! This week, host Tara Reese welcomes Chris Ahearn of the World Trade Center Savannah and Gerry Leonard of the Irish Chamber of Commerce Atlanta.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

In episode four of season three of the Savannah Irish podcast, host Tara Reese welcomes back Dr. Howard Keeley from Georgia Southern University. They discuss the unique sister city relationship between Savannah, Georgia, and Wexford, Ireland, focusing on the historical trade connections that began in 1845 with the Graves family's international maritime trading company.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

The episode dives into the cultural exchanges, stories of immigration, and significant impacts of Irish timber trade on Savannah's development. Additionally, it highlights the remarkable discoveries made by Georgia Southern University students in the National Archives of Ireland, and the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Savannah and Wexford today through initiatives like the Trade Bridge. The podcast underscores the importance of preserving these narratives for future generations.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Meet Dr. Howard Keeley

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Special Guests

00:21 Savannah and Wexford: Sister Cities

01:16 The Timber Trade Connection

04:06 The Graves Family and Their Ventures

13:05 Rediscovering Lost History

14:49 Modern Connections and Collaborations

18:18 Savannah's Irish Heritage and Ballast Stones

18:31 The Graves Family and Savannah's Stone Supply

19:47 The Dun Brody and Timber Trade

20:26 Personal Connections and Irish Stories

21:53 Savannah's Irish Neighborhoods and Cemeteries

25:59 Wexford's Emigration and the Famine

28:45 Challenges and Successes of Irish Immigrants

34:40 Preserving Irish History in Savannah