About
About Irish Network Portland in Oregon
Irish Network Portland, a Non-Profit organization that was established with the support of the Irish Government. Inspired by our history in America, we’re here to celebrate our heritage, share stories, and connect others to Irish culture in a meaningful way.
Our Mission
The Irish Network Portland is at the heart of the diverse Irish and Irish-American community in Portland, facilitating personal and professional networking opportunities and organizing cultural, social, and social events. We embrace all connections to Ireland and serve as a conduit to collaboration between our communities in both Ireland and the United States
Our Team
Gay Maher
President
Irish Real Estate Broker / Entrepreneur / Community Leader
Born and raised in Dublin. Came to live in Lake Oswego with my husband and 4 children in 1989. An entrepreneur at heart, I owned and operated the very successful Irish restaurant and bar Maher’s in Lake Oswego and a brewery in Oregon City.
My experience in business and hospitality has given me the understanding of negotiation with expertise. As President of Irish Network Portland, I lead a cultural, social, and business organization that connects Irish and Irish-American communities in the Pacific Northwest and Ireland.
My love for Ireland, people, culture, and storytelling with a little Irish charm continues to inspire my work, whether organizing an event for INP or working with my clients.
Oonagh Morgan Hurst
Vice President
Oonagh is a native of Mayobridge, Co. Down. She studied in London and Dublin and has worked as a Public Relations consultant on the U.S. west coast since 2003. Oonagh loves to teach her son, Lochlan about Irish culture and is passionate about improving and expanding Irish Network Portland.
David O'Brien
Treasury
David was born and raised in Mayo. After completing a physics PhD in University College Cork he has spent time working in Scotland and Germany before moving to Portland with his young family in 2018. He enjoys meeting up and engaging with the Irish community in the Pacific Northwest and is an unwavering supporter of the Mayo Gaelic football team. He is a long time INP member and joined the board as treasurer at the end of 2024.
Tracey Murphy
SECRETARY
Tracey grew up in The Liberties area of Dublin. She moved to Portland in 1989 ‘for a year’ .. but has been here ever since. Tracey has worked at Kells Irish Pub for the past 19 years and has been the general manager for the last 12. She enjoys meeting all the Irish people that come in for a wee pint. But her favorite thing to do is have Happy Hour with friends.
Martina McElwain
Board Member
Martina, hailing from Monaghan, Ireland, is a tech enthusiast with a specialization in SAP software. Her professional path has taken her from bustling Dublin to scenic Vancouver, with a brief detour in the vibrant city of Chicago, before she found her true home in Portland in 2013. Alongside her husband and two children, Martina immerses herself in the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, cherishing every moment spent exploring lush forests, charming coastal towns, and everything in between.
Jacquie McConnell
Board Member
Jacquie, a proud Irish expat who has called Portland home for the past 18 years after relocating from Kildare, Ireland, with her husband and young son. Jacquie brings a wealth of professional experience, having lived, and worked in Ireland, London, and Portland. Jacquie deeply understands the importance of community connections in bridging the gap between home and abroad.
Jimmy Galvin
Board Member
Born and raised in Ireland, Jimmy attended University College Dublin, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. After leaving Ireland in 2006 to explore the world, he spent 17 years in Thailand, where he successfully ran a small hotel. In 2023, Jimmy relocated to the Pacific Northwest with his wife Lisa. A proud supporter of Munster and Irish rugby, Jimmy is excited to bring his passion for Irish culture and community to the Irish Network Portland.
New Board Member
Board Member
Bio coming soon!
Martin Buckley
Advisory board member
Martin grew up in Dublin and moved to Portland in 1996 after completing his studies at Technological University Dublin. Martin is an original INP Board member and has previously acted as our Treasurer since inception until 2025. He brings a wealth of Global executive-level experience from his times at Nike Inc., PXG, Dr. Martens, and JCB Packaging and Logistics. He is passionate about growing the Irish and related community connectivity in Oregon and beyond.
Brian Doherty
Advisory Board Member
My love for all things Irish began when my Parents took 6 of us to Dublin for a year and enrolled us in Irish schools. From there my Professional career as a lawyer crossed paths with the San Francisco Irish Consulate several times and I was encouraged to set up The Irish Network Portland. From day one the talent, cooperation and humor of this Board has been phenomenal.
Board Member
New Board Member
Bio Coming soon!