IBO May Evening Event

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Bank of Ireland NYC Hub

2 Grand Central Tower, 140 E 45th Street, 41st Floor

Members FREE | Nonmembers $20

Photo ID Required at Check-In | Must Arrive by 6:30 PM

From Wexford & Cork to Washington:

The Irishmen Who Shaped America’s Revolution

Guest Speaker Caoimhe Forde

Director of the Institute for Irish American Studies at Lehman College

City University of New York

The United States was shaped not only by the Founding Fathers, but also by immigrants with global perspectives. Irish migrants to America brought not just labor, but political consciousness shaped by colonial subordination.

The earliest known use of the term 'United States of America' in 1776 is credited to a letter written by General Stephen Moylan, born in County Cork, Ireland. General Moylan served as an aide-de-camp to President George Washington. John Barry, the Irish "Father of the American Navy" and Stephen Moylan, will be the primary focus of the talk. The political and economic climate in Ireland during the 18th century will also be discussed in relation to the American Revolution.

ABOUT CAOIMHE FORDE

Caoimhe Forde is the Director of the Institute for Irish American Studies at Lehman College, City University of New York. She is originally from County Kildare, Ireland. Caoimhe is an award-winning adjunct lecturer and consultant specializing in the Irish language, Irish studies, literature, cinema, and media. With 15 years of experience, her work spans higher education, AI software development, translation, and nonprofit fundraising, in addition to extensive arts, film, and cultural programming. In 2020, Caoimhe was awarded The Irish Echo Top 40 Under 40 award and The Irish Echo Rebuilder’s medal in 2021. The New York State Senate has also recognized her work.

Caoimhe is a frequent contributor to media, including RTÉ, BBC, Newstalk, TG4, The Irish Times, and The Irish Independent. She has moderated discussions with internationally renowned academics, Academy Award-winning filmmakers, and industry leaders.