Sept. 21, 2021 By Michael Dorgan
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with New York Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday during his trip to the Big Apple.
The pair held a joint press briefing Monday following a bilateral meeting at the Governor’s office in New York City.
“We shared our experiences in tackling the pandemic, and the importance of connectivity between our two countries,” said Martin, who is in New York for a series of events at the United Nations.
“We also discussed her proud Kerry roots, and her family’s love for the GAA.”
Hochul, who was sworn in as the 57th Governor of New York less than a month ago, has roots in County Kerry through her grandparents.
“I think your story, the story of your grandparents, their journey from Castlegregory to the US, very tough times, is a story of resilience, of perseverance, and it illustrates the enduring connectivity between our two nations,” Martin said.
“And it’s a fabulous story, of progress, of meritocracy, of people really working to get on in life.”
Martin said that the people of Ireland were “thrilled and delighted” when they learned that “a Kerry woman” was to become the first woman Governor of New York.
Hochul said that she was delighted to meet with Martin, “even though he’s a Cork man and I come from Kerry.”
“In a sense, and there’s a little bit of rivalry when it comes to Gaelic football, but for purposes of today, we’re on the same team.”
The pair said they also discussed COVID-19, climate change and Storm Ida.
Fully Vaccinated Irish Permitted into the US From November
The meeting came on the same day that the US announced it will be easing the longstanding COVID-19 travel ban on some Irish travelers. Fully vaccinated Irish travelers will be able to enter the U.S. from November.
“Connectivity is everything, and it’s the lifeblood of our relationship,” Martin said.
“And I think it reflects the progress we’re making in respect of COVID-19.”
Martin is on a five-day trip to the United States where he is due to chair a meeting of the UN Security Council and will deliver an address to the United Nations General Assembly.
