Sen. Boren named co-chair of American Irish Legislators Caucus; members of the Oklahoma Irish Caucus attend summit in Ireland

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, is now the National Co-Chair of the American Irish Legislators Caucus. Boren was appointed during the 2026 summit in Ireland, attended by legislators from throughout the United States, including from Oklahoma. Also participating were Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Nikki Nice, D-Oklahoma City. 

“Our role was to meet with trade partners who have business interests in Oklahoma and Ireland,” Boren said. “Among those we had an opportunity to meet with were representatives from Manna, which is an Irish drone company in the Republic. We also attended several meetings at Google European Headquarters in Dublin as well as meetings with other organizations to promote even greater economic opportunities.” 

Boren and Chapman were also recognized as Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commissioners. 

"It was a privilege to represent Oklahoma with my fellow Senators in Ireland and meet with lawmakers and business leaders who help strengthen the relationship between our two countries," Chapman said. "Ireland and Oklahoma already share a strong connection through our history and heritage, and there is real opportunity to build on that through trade, investment and new business relationships. I look forward to continuing work and helping create opportunities that benefit businesses and communities here at home."

Last spring the CEO of Tiglin, a nonprofit based in Ireland, accompanied a member of the Irish Senate to Oklahoma ahead of St. Patrick’s Day to discuss economic development opportunities and to pay tribute to America’s 250^th birthday. While in Ireland, Boren and Nice learned more about the charity’s work.

“Tiglin is dedicated to restoring lives affected by homelessness, addiction and social exclusion,” Nice said. “Their philosophy is built on the belief in each person’s potential, providing both immediate support and long-term solutions. We learned about how social enterprise is a strategy to successfully transform people to take their place in society and gain economic security – something that ultimately uplifts not only the individual, but the community as well, socially, and economically. I was grateful to meet those that have been impacted by the work that continues through Tiglin and hear the stories of how the staff, many volunteers, and stakeholders continue to meet the need and care for neighbors in Dublin and abroad.”

Mann said the timing is perfect for Oklahoma to focus on strengthening its economic ties with Ireland.

“I think the importance of trade with Ireland has only increased, especially because of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union a decade ago,” Mann said. “Ireland is fast becoming the gateway to Europe for American Businesses. There’s investment opportunity in Ireland for Oklahoma and for Ireland in our state – it makes sense for Oklahoma to continue to foster dialogue and a good relationship with Ireland to our mutual benefit.”

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CUTLINE: Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Nikki Nice, D-Oklahoma City, recently represented the Oklahoma Irish Caucus as part of the 2026 Summit of the American Irish Legislators Caucus in Ireland.

For more information, contact: 
Sen. Mary Boren at 405-521-5553 or Mary.Boren@oksenate.gov
Rep. Mark Chapman at 405-557-7388 or Mark.Chapman@okhouse.gov
Sen. Mark Mann at 405-590-4471 or Mark.Mann@oksenate.gov
Sen. Nikki Nice at 405-521-5531 or Nikki.Nice@oksenate.gov