Healey to make first international trip as Mass. governor to Ireland next week

Gov. Maura Healey will make her first international trip as governor to Ireland next week to address the Irish Senate on the 30th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in that country.

Healey was invited by U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin, Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer and the JFK Library Foundation, the governor said in a statement Tuesday.

Her visit also coincides with the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s state visit to Ireland, which “launched a new era of economic and cultural partnership between the United States and Ireland, particularly around trade and investment,” the statement said.

Governor will also host series of business roundtables with Irish leaders of key industries such as technology and clean energy.

“As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Irish immigrants and the first openly LGBTQ+ Governor of Massachusetts, I’m honored to have been invited to address Seanad Éireann about the importance of developing our economic ties, standing up for our values and protecting the rights of everyone in our communities,” said Healey. “I’m excited to meet with Ireland’s renowned business, technology, clean energy and education leaders to share with them all that Massachusetts has to offer – from our world-class education and research institutions to our cutting-edge biotechnology and clean energy sectors to our commitment to protecting civil rights and freedom – and why they should expand their activities here.”

Cronin, a former Massachusetts legislator and Brockton native, said in a statement that she is “delighted” to welcome the governor to Ireland.

“She will mark an historic occasion in Ireland’s civil rights journey, celebrate 60 years since the visit of President John F Kennedy, and build upon the strong and growing trade relationship between the U.S. and Ireland,” Cronin said.

Healey will leave for her trip on the evening of June 25 and arrive in

The governor will depart Massachusetts on Sunday evening, June 25, and arrive in Dublin on Monday morning, June 26. She will then depart Dublin on the morning of Friday, June 30.

Lt. Gov. Kimberley Driscoll will serve as acting governor from June 25 to June 30.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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