Celebrating 25 years of the Immigrant Council of Ireland and honouring our founder with the first Sr Stan Kennedy Memorial Lecture.

On Wednesday 4 November, journalist and author Sally Hayden will deliver the inaugural Sr Stan Kennedy Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Immigrant Council of Ireland.

The lecture will honour the life and legacy of Sr Stan, who founded the Immigrant Council in 2001, while also marking 25 years of the Immigrant Council of Ireland standing with migrants.

Where it began

Drawing on her knowledge of the experiences of generations of Irish emigrants, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy founded the Immigrant Council of Ireland in response to the emerging needs of people coming to Ireland.

Sr Stan had already spent decades fighting poverty and homelessness, most notably as the founder of Focus Ireland. She brought that same conviction to the Immigrant Council: that everyone deserves a sense of home, and the dignity, pride and self-respect that comes with having a place to call home.

A quarter-century of Work and Impact

Over 25 years, the Council has grown from that founding vision into a national organisation. It offers information and legal support, campaigns for fairer immigration policy and supports people affected by racism and hate crime.

Throughout our journey, the Immigrant Council of Ireland has directly supported more than 120,000 people from a migrant background.

Commenting on the life and legacy of Sr Stan, Teresa Buczkowska Chief Executive Officer of the Immigrant Council of Ireland said:

‘I benefited from Immigrant Council's support during my own migration journey. Today as CEO, I feel honoured to continue the work Sr Stan began. In a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to migrants, the values of Sr Stan — recognising the humanity and dignity of every person — feels especially urgent. Her legacy challenges us to build an Ireland where everyone feels at home and can live with dignity.'

Sally Hayden: The Inaugural Memorial Lecturer

We are delighted that Sally Hayden will deliver the inaugural Sr Stan Kennedy Memorial Lecture.

Sally Hayden's reporting brings readers close to the lives of people seeking safety. Her work speaks directly to a conviction at the heart of Sr Stan's legacy – that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity.

An award-winning journalist and author, Sally has reported extensively on migration, displacement and the experiences of people seeking safety around the world. Her perspective will provide an important contribution to this inaugural lecture, connecting Sr Stan’s legacy of the importance of recognising the of every person, regardless of who they are and where they come from.

On the night

The Sr Stan Kennedy Memorial Lecture with Sally Hayden

A celebration of 25 years of the Immigrant Council and the people who made it possible

Entertainment (to be announced)

A chance to connect with staff, supporters, partners and community members

Details

📅 Tuesday, 4 November 2026

🕔 5pm – 8pm

📍 The Pillar Room, Parnell Square East, Dublin 1, D01 P5W9

Places are limited to 200 guests, so please book early.

Whether you've been part of our journey since 2001 or are just getting to know us, we'd love to see you there.

Description supplied by the event organiser.