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About Us

Gertrude Byrne Promotions was founded over 35 years ago…

by Gertrude Byrne, a native of Cong Co. Mayo.

Gertrude Byrne Promotions has been responsible for organizing some of the best Irish cultural and music events in the New York area and on the high seas, including, the Annual Leeds Irish Festival, A Day in Old Ireland held at Yonkers Raceway, The Irish Christmas Musical Fair at the Meadowlands Area, The Medieval Irish Festival at the Garden State Exhibit Center and over fifty #1 Irish Weekends and of course the All-Star Irish Charter Cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and the Mexican Riviera.

Our Story

Thirty-five-plus years ago I promoted my first Irish theme cruise. We sailed out of New York Harbor joined by 80 passengers and some of New York’s finest musicians. While I had been promoting other Irish events, I had absolutely no idea of the organizational skills required for successful cruising. We were all novices on this incredible voyage as this was also the first cruise for my guests. The ship was small, our staterooms quite plain but the food was incredible, and the midnight buffets were truly indulgent…

Experience
35
Years of Experience
45
Cruises
100,000
Cruise Guests

Meet Our Team

Gertrude Byrne

Promoter and Founder

Gertrude Byrne, a native of Cong, Co. Mayo arrived in the U.S. in the late 1960’s to be with her now-husband John, whom she met while working in Dublin. Together with two friends, John decided to make the move to New York for better opportunities and promised that as soon as he had enough money he would send for her. (His friends made similar pledges to their ladies.) Six months later the tickets arrived in the mail and Gertrude and her two friends where on their way to New York. Upon arriving in New York Gertrude worked as a secretary for a computer software company in Manhattan where she held secretarial and managerial positions. Living and working in the Catskills soon beckoned for Gertrude, John and their three children. John owns the popular Inn at Leeds Bar and Restaurant. Gertrude, now a Leeds based entrepreneur, has made it her business to keep Irish music and culture alive, through the events she hosts on an annual basis. Gertrude was the proud recipient of the “Irish Business Woman of the Year Award" in 2001 – a tremendous award bestowed on her by the Irish Voice Newspaper.

Gertrude Byrne

Promoter and Founder

Suzanne Byrne-Land

Suzanne is Gertrude’s daughter and the eldest of her three children. Suzanne joined her Mom at Gertrude Byrne Promotions in 2006.  Previously, Suzanne worked in the financial services industry.  She spent over 8 years with Instinet, where she held positions in technology, trading and sales. Suzanne holds an undergraduate degree from University College Dublin and an MBA from Union College in Schenectady, New York.

Suzanne Byrne-Land

Mary Darcy

Mary Darcy is without a doubt one of Ireland’s most experienced and best loved entertainers. Mary has been performing, recording and appearing on television all over the world for many years. She turned professional at the early age of 15 and along with her partner, Eamonn McRory, formed Twos Company and enjoyed 26 years of success. Despite the demise of Two´s Company and the death of her husband Des Wilson at the age of 47, Mary refused to give up. With the help of her two brothers Eamonn and Sean, Mary formed her own band and continues to do what she loves best. Mary now has a new interest as the agent for Ireland and the UK for two of the biggest All Star Irish Cruises to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean in association with her long-time friend, Gertrude Byrne.

Mary Darcy

Testimonials