ABOUT
The Young Ambassador Program is organized through the Friends of Saint Patrick and the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, County Down. We are excited to continue our partnership with the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in America. The Young Ambassadors Program is designed to promote a greater understanding of the shared cultural heritage of Northern Ireland in North America amongst those aged 19-25. Based on the application on this website and following an interview process, Young Ambassadors will be selected to travel to Northern Ireland to explore various aspects of the history and traditions of the island of Ireland and develop their own chosen cultural dissertations. They will complete their agreed dissertations when they go home and following a successful review will be formally made Young Ambassadors.
2024 Young Ambassadors
"The Young Ambassador Program began as a way for North Americans to build a positive relationship with our part of the world so that they can speak about it with authority and confidence."
-Dr. Tim Campbell, Director of the Saint Patrick Centre
Dr. Tim Campbell is the Executive Director of the Saint Patrick Centre, the only permanent exhibition about Saint Patrick in the world. The Saint Patrick Centre is located in the medieval town of Downpatrick in County Down, Northern Ireland - Saint Patrick’s Country.
Dr. Campbell founded the Friends of Saint Patrick organization as a charity in America and Canada 18 years ago and has been running the Young Ambassador Program since 2008.
Young Ambassadors are chosen with the aim of learning about the mission of the Saint Patrick Centre, our part of Ireland and being involved in workplace experiences which will further their careers.
2024 Young Ambassador Matt Mortell
2024 Young Ambassador Emma O'Connell
2024 Young Ambassador Brendan Kiley