--- title: Ireland Network - 2026 Annual Ball description: Join Ireland Network Chicago's Ball for a night of Irish music, dance, food, and celebration. Raise a glass to our heritage and honor our IN Spirit awardee Vaughan Hospitality Group! image: https://chicagoireland.org/hubfs/IrelandNetwork-Ball25_SaveTheDate1080x1080.png --- [Skip to content](https://chicagoireland.org/ball#main-content) [![Ireland Network Chicago](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IrelandNetwork-logo_RGB.png?width=140&height=98&name=IrelandNetwork-logo_RGB.png)](https://chicagoireland.org/?hsLang=en) - [About Us](https://chicagoireland.org/membership-to-ireland-network-chicago) Show submenu for About Us - [History](https://chicagoireland.org/history) - [Leadership Team](https://chicagoireland.org/en-us/leadership-team) - [Strategic Partners](https://chicagoireland.org/strategic-partners) - [Sponsors](https://chicagoireland.org/sponsors) - [Consulate Corner](https://chicagoireland.org/consulate-corner) - [Membership](https://chicagoireland.org/membership-to-ireland-network-chicago) - [Events](https://chicagoireland.org/upcomingevents) - [Ball](https://chicagoireland.org/ball) - [Contact Us](https://chicagoireland.org/contact-us) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [About Us](https://chicagoireland.org/membership-to-ireland-network-chicago) Show submenu for About Us - [History](https://chicagoireland.org/history) - [Leadership Team](https://chicagoireland.org/en-us/leadership-team) - [Strategic Partners](https://chicagoireland.org/strategic-partners) - [Sponsors](https://chicagoireland.org/sponsors) - [Consulate Corner](https://chicagoireland.org/consulate-corner) - [Membership](https://chicagoireland.org/membership-to-ireland-network-chicago) - [Events](https://chicagoireland.org/upcomingevents) - [Ball](https://chicagoireland.org/ball) - [Contact Us](https://chicagoireland.org/contact-us) ![IrelandNetworkBall26_1200x800](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IrelandNetworkBall26_1200x800.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=IrelandNetworkBall26_1200x800.jpg "IrelandNetworkBall26_1200x800") ### The 22nd Annual Ball is Sold Out Click here to join the [waitlist](https://chicagoireland.org/ball/annual-ball-waitlist?hsLang=en). Additional event details can be found on our [Upcoming Events](https://chicagoireland.org/upcomingevents?hsLang=en) page and [What To Expect](https://chicagoireland.org/hubfs/IrelandNetwork-Ball26-WhatToExpect.pdf?hsLang=en)doc.  ### Thank You to our Generous Sponsors! Want to see your name included with the other great sponsors below? Check out our range of sponsorship opportunities [here](https://chicagoireland.org/annual-ball-sponsorship?hsLang=en). Event tickets and other enticing perks included at each sponsorship level! Thanks to your support, Ireland Network Chicago will be able to make donations to our charity partners: Concern Worldwide and Irish Community Services. ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_01](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_01.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_01.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_02](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_02.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_02.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_03](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_03.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_03.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_04](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_04.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_04.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_05](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_05.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_05.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_07](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_07.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_07.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_06](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_06.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_06.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_08](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_08.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_08.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_09](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_09.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_09.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_10](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_10.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_10.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_11](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_11.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_11.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_12](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_12.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_12.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_13](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_13.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_13.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_14](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_14.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_14.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_15](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_15.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_15.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_16](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_16.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_16.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_17](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_17.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_17.png) ![INBall26_Sponsors150x150_18](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/Sponsors26-150x150/INBall26_Sponsors150x150_18.png?width=150&height=150&name=INBall26_Sponsors150x150_18.png) --- [![irelandnetworkball2025-487](https://chicagoireland.org/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball2025/irelandnetworkball2025-487.jpg "irelandnetworkball2025-487")](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1063039289196944&type=3) [![irelandnetworkballstepnrepeat-117](https://chicagoireland.org/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball2025/irelandnetworkballstepnrepeat-117.jpg "irelandnetworkballstepnrepeat-117")](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1063039289196944&type=3) [![Screenshot 2023-03-06 084718](https://chicagoireland.org/hubfs/Screenshot%202023-03-06%20084718.jpg "Screenshot 2023-03-06 084718")](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1063039289196944&type=3) [![ball2025-relive](https://chicagoireland.org/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/ball2025-relive.jpg "ball2025-relive")](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1063039289196944&type=3) ## Relive the Magic of the 2025 Ireland Network Ball Last year, we kicked off Chicago’s St. Patrick’s celebrations in style at the Drake Hotel on February 8, 2025. [View photos from 2025 Ball](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1063039289196944&type=3) Our biggest Ball to date sold out in less than 2 months! We honored IN Spirit Award winner Dolores Connolly, and raised $20,000 in support of [Concern Worldwide](https://concernusa.org/) and [Irish Community Services](https://www.irishchicago.org/). Go raibh maith agat to our community—members, partners, and generous sponsors—who made it all possible! --- | ![kevin and kristan vaughan photo](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sponsors/Ball%202026/kevin%20and%20kristan%20vaughan%20photo.jpg?width=232&height=195&name=kevin%20and%20kristan%20vaughan%20photo.jpg)   | ## IN Spirit Award #### The IN Spirit Award demonstrates our profound gratitude for an individual's incredible service to the Irish community and is presented at the Annual Ball each February in front of our members, partners and supporters. #### It is our great privilege to honor Vaughan Hospitality Group with the 2026 IN Spirit Award | | --- | --- | Read More about Vaughan Hospitality Group Vaughan Hospitality Group—long considered a cornerstone of Irish hospitality in Chicago—has shaped the Irish cultural and social landscape of the city since opening Vaughan’s Pub on Milwaukee Avenue on the Northwest Side in 1987. Vaughan Hospitality Group was founded by Dan Joe and Bina Vaughan, who emigrated from Newmarket, County Cork in 1984 with 7 of their 9 children. It was a family-run neighborhood pub that championed community, culture, connection, and Irish hospitality. With the second generation—brothers Eamonn and Kevin Vaughan and Kevin’s wife Kristan, Vaughan Hospitality Group grew into a respected collective of 7 establishments known for warmth, authenticity, and service. Eamonn sadly passed away in 2023. Today, under the leadership of Kevin and Kristan, the group operates six well-loved Chicago venues, employing more than 300 people and serving as a welcoming home for both locals and visitors. The group’s longstanding dedication to Chicago’s Irish community is profound: from supporting GAA clubs, Irish charities, and cultural organizations (including Ireland Network Chicago), to providing opportunities for hundreds of J-1 visa students, Vaughan Hospitality Group has consistently strengthened the bridge between Chicago and Ireland. Their commitment extends beyond the Irish diaspora, supporting and helping to lead neighborhood programs, youth sports, local chambers, and the Illinois Restaurant Association.  ### Past IN Spirit Award Recipients  | ![DoloresConnolly_250x250](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DoloresConnolly_250x250.png?width=150&height=150&name=DoloresConnolly_250x250.png)   | #### 2025 IN Spirit Award We honored **DOLORES CONNELLY**, visionary CEO and dedicated philanthropist. From leading Sterling Engineering’s global expansion to her deep commitment with Concern Worldwide, she strengthens Irish-American ties and champions social justice with unwavering passion and generosity. | | --- | --- | | ![MikeClune_Headshot250x250](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MikeClune_Headshot250x250.png?width=150&height=150&name=MikeClune_Headshot250x250.png) | #### 2024 IN Spirit Award Ireland Network was honored to present the 2024 IN Spirit Award to MIKE CLUNE. Committed to philanthropy across the United States and Ireland, Mike contributes to a wide array of causes through his company, Clune Construction, and as chairman of Irish American Partnership. | | ![billylawless](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/billylawless.jpg?width=150&height=151&name=billylawless.jpg) | #### 2023 IN Spirit Award It was our great privilege to honor BILLY LAWLESS with the 2023 IN Spirit Award! As a businessman, restaurateur, immigration advocate and Senator, Billy has given a voice to the Irish abroad, provided jobs and resources to Irish in need, and strengthened ties between the U.S. and Ireland. His heartfelt passion, call to service and immeasurable generosity of time and treasures sets an example for us all. Read the letter from Senator Dick Durbin [here](https://chicagoireland.org/hubfs/Billy%20Lawless%20IN%20Spirit%20Award%20CONG.jpg) and view more testimonials [here](https://sites.google.com/view/chicago-ireland-gala/agenda/in-spirit-award). | 2022 Cliff Carlson, Irish American News  2020 Dan O'Donnell, Armitage Hardware 2019 Bill Gainer, Galway/Chicago Sister City and Cork/Cook County Partnership --- [![Ireland Network Chicago](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IrelandNetwork-logo_RGB.png?width=140&height=98&name=IrelandNetwork-logo_RGB.png "Ireland Network Chicago")](https://chicagoireland.org/?hsLang=en) Connect with us [Follow Ireland Network on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheIrelandNetworkChicago) [Connect with Ireland Network on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ireland-network-chicago) [Tweet us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/IN_Chicago) [Like us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/irelandnetwork_chicago) [Follow us on Facebook](mailto:irelandnetworkchicago@gmail.com) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com) ![EmigrantSupportProgramme-210px](https://chicagoireland.org/hs-fs/hubfs/EmigrantSupportProgramme-210px.jpg?width=210&height=60&name=EmigrantSupportProgramme-210px.jpg "EmigrantSupportProgramme-210px") Ireland Network thanks the Government of Ireland's Emigrant Support Programme for their generous support. - [Contact Us](https://chicagoireland.org/contact-us) - [Event Waiver Notice](https://chicagoireland.org/terms-waiver-and-release-of-liability) - [Membership](https://chicagoireland.org/membership-to-ireland-network-chicago) - [Upcoming Events](https://chicagoireland.org/upcomingevents) Cookie Settings Copyright © 2026, Ireland Network Chicago NFP