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 want to share our experiences and teach others about our heritage.

Our Mission

The Irish Network Portland serves as 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

Gabrielle Maher

Gay Maher

President

LinkedIn

Gay was born and raised in Dublin. She moved with her husband and four children to America in 1989, landing in Lake Oswego, where they have lived ever since. Gay grew up Irish Dancing in Ireland, she began teaching dance in the Portland Metro area and owned a studio for 22 years. Her dancers were renowned for their many performances locally and nationally, as well as in global competitions. In 2009, they opened an Irish restaurant in downtown Lake Oswego. Today her passion is Real Estate, and she continues to work with her community in various events and programs.

Oonagh Morgan Hurst

Vice President

LinkedIn

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.

Oonagh Morgan Hurst

David O'Brien

Treasury

LinkedIn

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.

Tracey Murphy

Martina McElwain

Board Member

LinkedIn

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

LinkedIn

Meet Jacquie McConnell, 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. Excited to be part of the Irish Network Portland, Jacquie brings a wealth of professional experience, having lived, and worked in Ireland, London, and Portland. Having traversed different cultures and landscapes, Jacquie deeply understands the importance of community connections in bridging the gap between home and abroad. When Jacquie isn’t busy engaging with the Irish Network Portland, you’ll often find her immersed in her passion for art. Dedicated and enthusiastic, Jacquie looks forward to contributing to the growth of a vibrant Irish community in Portland, where they can come together to celebrate their heritage, share experiences, and forge new connections.

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

Martin Buckley

Advisory board member

Linkedin 

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

LinkedIn

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. 

Brian Doherty

Board Member

New Board Member

Bio Coming soon!