AdHoc member Billy Lawless died on November 8. The former Senator for the Diaspora from Galway, an emigrant to Chicago, was a tremendous advocate for immigrants in the US and for the Irish community around the world.
Billy cofounded VotingRights.ie to advocate for voting rights for Irish emigrants alongside Ad Hoc Executive Director Kevin Sullivan and Ad Hoc member Noreen Bowden. The organization issued a statement paying tribute to his work and life:
VotingRights.ie Statement on the passing of Senator Billy Lawless, Irish immigrant and voting rights advocate
For immediate release
November 8, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we note the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Billy Lawless, on November 8, 2024. Billy was a co-founder and Chair of VotingRights.ie, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us who knew and worked with him.
Noreen Bowden, a cofounder of Voting Rights.ie” noted “Billy was a tireless champion for Irish emigrants and a passionate advocate for voting rights for all Irish citizens. As Ireland’s first Senator to represent the diaspora, his was a pioneering voice for the Irish abroad in the political system. He was dedicated to ensuring that all Irish citizens, regardless of their location, have representation in Ireland and a say in Ireland’s future.”
“Billy’s vision of an inclusive Irish democracy that embraces all its citizens, no matter where they live, will continue to guide our efforts” stated Kevin Sullivan another co-founder of www.votingrights.ie. “Billy was a lonely voice in the Irish Seanad seeking to represent well over a million Irish citizens living outside the state. It is telling that the current Irish government declined to reappoint him as the Senator for the Diaspora and to this day Irish citizens around the world have no advocate to represent them.’
Billy’s journey from Galway to Chicago and his continuing close ties with Ireland exemplified the emigrant experience that he would represent in the Seanad. His success as a businessman and his commitment to public service made him a respected voice both in Ireland and the US. In addition to his work for the Irish around the globe, he advocated for the rights of immigrants in the US as cofounder of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition and as chair of Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform. The Irish government would award Billy the Presidential Distinguished Service Award in 2021 for this community work for Irish immigrants in Chicago.
Ciaran Cannon, T.D., the former Minister for the Diaspora stated, “I am devastated to hear that we have lost former Senator Billy Lawless, a remarkable gentleman who was without doubt, the most committed and effective champion of our diaspora community in the US for decades. My condolences to his wife Anne, his family and friends. RIP Billy.”
Contact: Kevin Sullivan 301 538 9080
AdHocGFA.org 