Minister Patrick O’Donovan to Promote Irish Culture, Creative Industries and Sport During St. Patrick’s Day Programme in Atlanta and Savannah
- Published on: 12 March 2026
- Last updated on: 12 March 2026
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, will travel to Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, from 12–17 March 2026 as part of the Government’s St. Patrick’s Day programme. The visit will highlight Ireland’s cultural and creative strengths, deepen sporting and media partnerships, and engage with the Irish community across the southeastern United States.
Minister O’Donovan said:
“St. Patrick’s Day is an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Ireland’s culture, creativity and global connections. Georgia is home to a vibrant Irish community and a rapidly growing creative and sporting ecosystem. I look forward to strengthening our partnerships across these sectors and promoting Ireland’s reputation as a leader in culture, communications and sport.”
The Minister’s programme begins on Thursday, 12 March, with his arrival in Atlanta.
On Friday, 13 March, the Minister will undertake a series of engagements focused on creative industries, sport and economic cooperation, including a meeting with the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) at Georgia State University to discuss opportunities for collaboration in digital media, film and immersive technologies; a tour of Trilith Studios, one of the United States’ leading film production campuses, accompanied by State Representative Josh Bonner; and a visit to the U.S. Soccer Federation’s National Training Centre, underscoring Ireland’s growing sporting links with U.S. partners.
Minister O’Donovan will also participate in an Enterprise Ireland economic event marking the Swoop x SAGE partnership launch at Ponce City Market, and he will tour Centennial Yards, a major redevelopment project central to Atlanta’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
That evening, the Minister will attend the Team Ireland St. Patrick’s Day community reception, engaging with members of the Irish diaspora, cultural organisations and local partners.
On Saturday, 14 March, the Minister will join the Irish Network Atlanta Dignitaries Breakfast, followed by participation in the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the city’s most significant annual civic events.
The Minister will travel to Savannah on Sunday, 15 March, where he will take part in cultural and community engagements, including an appearance on the Savannah Irish Festival podcast.
On Monday, 16 March, the Minister will deliver remarks at a USA 250 event at Georgia Southern University, featuring a Scots‑Irish heritage lecture in partnership with the Consulate General and with participation from Northern Ireland’s Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons MLA.
He will also attend a working lunch with the World Trade Center Savannah and the Savannah Economic Development Authority, focusing on opportunities for Irish companies and future cooperation in the region. On 17 March, the Minister will attend the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The Minister will return to Ireland on 18 March.
The St. Patrick’s Day programme is a central element of the Government’s international engagement each year, supporting Ireland’s cultural diplomacy, promoting Irish creative and sporting excellence, and strengthening connections with Irish communities worldwide.
Minister O’Donovan added:
“Ireland’s culture, creativity and sporting achievements resonate strongly across the world. I look forward to representing these strengths throughout this visit and to building on the deep and enduring ties between Ireland and Georgia.”