The Dignitaries from Ireland

In 1962 Emmetsburg, Iowa and Dublin, Ireland were officially declared "Sister Cities." It has since been a privlege and honor for the St. Pat's Association to host a member of the Irish Parliament to reign over the three day celebration. Through this association, many lasting friendships have been formed.

While visiting in the states, the Parliamentarians are given the opportunity to watch Iowa's governing bodies at work, and are invited to address both sessions the state legislature. Although some have left political life and returned to sucessful businesses, they keep actively in touch with affairs of the government, both at home and abroad.

2026 Irish Dignitary

Peter "Chap" Cleere

Peter "Chap" Cleere TD is a member of Dail Eireann, the Irish Parliament, representing the constituency of Carlow Kilkenny in the South East of Ireland. He is a member of the Fianna Fail (who are currently in Government) and he is the party spokesperson on Agriculture in addition to being a member of the Sports Committee.

Chap, as he is commonly known, was first elected to Dail Eireann in 2024, having previously served as a County Councillor for 10 years and as Mayor of Kilkenny from 2018-2019, and Chairman of Kilkenny County Council from 2019-2020.

Prior to his election to Dail Eireann, Chap also worked as a Senior Manager in the Financial Services Industry.

Chap is married to Brenda and has four children, all girls, Gracie, Emily, Holly and Hannah. Chap is also very heavily involved in the GAA and has won numerous All Ireland medals with the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team and has alos been a very successful coach with both Carlow and Kilkenny Camogie teams in recent years prior to his election to Dail Eireann.