Dundalk hosts key Ohio-Ireland business summit at Oriel Park

Business leaders, enterprise agencies, and international partners gathered at Oriel Park on Friday, 10 April for ‘Goals Beyond the Pitch: The Ohio-Ireland Business Connection,’ highly successful event focused on strengthening economic links between the North East of Ireland and Ohio, United States.

The event was a joint initiative with Team NEO, Jobs Ohio, Dundalk FC and sponsored by UHY Farrelly Dawe White (UHY FDW). The occasion brought together a diverse audience of local businesses, chambers of commerce, and key stakeholders to explore opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration between Ireland and the State of Ohio.

A highlight of the afternoon was the keynote address from Mark Owens, Vice President of Marketing at Team NEO. Mark was appointed by the Government of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs as the first-ever Honorary Consul of Ireland for the State of Ohio in 2023, a role that supports the development of economic, business, and cultural relationships between Ireland and the region, while also providing consular assistance to Irish citizens. Mark provided a compelling overview of Ohio’s economic landscape and the opportunities available for Irish companies seeking to expand into the US Midwest.

The event was proudly sponsored by UHY Farrelly Dawe White, with Managing Director Alan Farrelly highlighting the firm’s commitment to supporting international growth and cross-border business development, underpinned by its wider presence within UHY International, which provides clients with direct access to expertise and connections across the United States and global markets.

‘Goals Beyond the Pitch’, featured a strong and diverse line-up of speakers from across Ireland and the United States, reflecting the breadth of expertise and collaboration underpinning the initiative.

A special welcome message was delivered by Ambassador of Ireland to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason, who highlighted the importance of strengthening transatlantic relationships and encouraged continued collaboration between Irish and US businesses.

Local context was provided by Dundalk FC, with contributions from CEO Joe McGuinness, alongside a special live address from Los Angeles by Chris Clinton, Executive Director & Owner of Dundalk Football Club. Both speakers highlighted the unique role of sport in fostering community, partnership, and economic engagement, reinforcing the event’s central theme of “Goals Beyond the Pitch” and demonstrating how sporting institutions can act as powerful catalysts for business connection and regional development.

The forum also featured a wonderful video call from Cleveland, with the Mayor of the City of Cleveland, Justin Bibb, addressing attendees and underlining the importance of transatlantic collaboration at both governmental and business levels.

From the US perspective, Mark MacCauley from JobsOhio highlighted Ohio’s position as a dynamic and business-friendly state, with strong infrastructure and access to key US markets.

Contributions from regional and enterprise leaders included insights from David Kieran, Managing Director of ZOMA and Hanna McDonnell, President of Dundalk Chamber, both of whom highlighted the strength and ambition of the North East business community, whilst sharing their own connections to Ohio and the sporting community.

We also welcomed agency representatives, Nikki Campbell from Local Enterprise Office Louth and Amy Clinton from Enterprise Ireland, who outlined the wide range of supports available to companies seeking to scale internationally, particularly into the US market.

A short panel discussion featuring Margaret Hearty from InterTradeIreland and Hilary Moran from The Fintech Corridor explored opportunities for innovation-led collaboration along the M1 corridor and further afield.

Further insights were shared by Ed Johnston from Clark Hill Law, offering practical perspectives on establishing and growing a business presence in the region.

Breda Dick and Fergus Donnelly from The Cleveland Project shared their story as a basketball-focused charity initiative operating along the M1 corridor in Ireland, using sport as a vehicle to support community development, youth engagement, and cross-community connection.

Attendees described the event as “a fantastic afternoon of insight, connection, and meaningful conversation,” with many highlighting the quality of networking and genuine collaboration opportunities as a key outcome. The interactive format encouraged open discussion, allowing participants to share experiences, explore partnerships, and identify practical routes to entering the US market.

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The event also emphasised the unique role of the North East region, and the broader M1 Corridor, as a dynamic location for business growth, innovation, and international engagement.

A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of building strong relationships and leveraging networks to support business expansion. As one contributor noted, “collaboration is key,” a sentiment that resonated strongly with attendees.

Organisers expressed their appreciation to all speakers, partners, and participants for contributing to the success of the event, and to Mo Chara for providing the catering for the event, adding to the welcoming and informal atmosphere throughout the afternoon. Organisers confirmed that there is strong interest in developing this initiative further in the future, with plans to build on the connections made and explore additional opportunities to strengthen and expand the business, sport and international relationships in the months ahead.