The Gaelic saying céad mile failte means “one hundred thousand welcomes.” It epitomizes the Irish drive to be hospitable and encapsulates how Billy Lawless went about life, in business, in politics, and across communities. We remember Billy as a leader amongst leaders, and a friend to people from all walks of life. His own immigration story drew him to the experiences of others he encountered through his own life as a restauranteur, as an advocate for immigration reform, and as an Taoiseach appointed representative in the Irish Senate.

As a board member and leader with ICIRR, Billy was a true champion of immigrant rights – whether that was winning over unlikely allies in the campaign to win drivers licenses in the General Assembly, being a strong advocate for the rights of people who are undocumented, or standing up against racist, anti-immigrant instigators during one of our many marches for immigration reform.

He left the ICIRR board when he was appointed by Prime Minister Enda Kenny of Ireland as the first ever Irish senator to sit in the Dublin Senate representing the Irish overseas. He used that platform to continue advocating for undocumented immigrants in the US, while also being a strong force for change in Ireland. He promoted Irish legislation to make it easier for returning Irish emigrants, as well as newly arrived overseas immigrants. He was also a strong advocate for a referendum on voting rights in Ireland for Irish citizens living abroad.

Billy championed the marginalized and lived by the ancient Irish tradition of welcoming the stranger. We will remember him fondly and forever be inspired by his tireless leadership. We will miss him dearly.

Read more about Billy's life:

• WGN TV

• Chicago Sun Times

• Crain's Chicago Business

• Irish Times