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.
Cathal Crowe TD is a member of Dáil Éireann, the Irish Parliament, representing the constituency of County Clare on the West of Ireland. He is a member of Fianna Fáil (who are currently in Government) and he is the party spokesperson on tourism and aviation in addition to being a member of the party's Northern Ireland and Good Friday Agreement Committee.
Cathal was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2020, having previously served as a County Councillor for 16 years and as Mayor of Clare from 2019 - 2020.
Prior to his election to Dáil Éireann, Cathal also worked as a primary school teacher and Assistant Principal at Parteen National School in County Clare.
Cathal is married to Maeve and has three children, Sam, Charlie and Eve. Cathal is also a part-time farmer and keeps a herd of Hereford, Shorthorn & Dexter cattle along with some pet goats on his farm in Meelick, County Clare.
Like most Irish families, Cathal has many relatives living in the United States. His family connections are mostly spread across the states of New York, New Jersey and Wisconsin. Some of Cathal’s family past and present have served in elected office in the United States.
