The annual Ireland: Gateway to Europe trip to the US is underway.

Now in its 12th year, it comprises an annual trade mission of 50 business leaders and Irish media to key cities across North America – this year, it’s Atlanta, Austin and Boston and Kieran Cuddihy has travelled along with them.

Today Kieran is joined by three very impressive people, and all for very different reasons.  Tony Ward works with Fighting Blindness to promote the rights of people with disabilities around the world. Rob Kearney is an Irish rugby great and here representing Elkstone Partners, and Dr Caroline McGroary is a lecturer in accounting at Dublin City University and Princess Nourah University and is here building links with universities.