It’s very easy to overdose on SXSW coverage, seeing your timeline suddenly fill up with pictures of breakfast burritos and ‘#insights’ from ‘#brands’.
But this really was the year to be Irish at SXSW: Enda Kenny (Americans tend to call him our Prime Minister, as attempts to pronounce ‘Taoiseach’ often end in tragedy) spoke about why Ireland is producing the best startups, and we sent a delegation of some of our finest tech companies over to Austin.
To keep you up to speed, here’s our SXSW round-up in Tweet form:
13th March
The 28th annual South by Southwest began, with some of our favourite Irish tech folk in town for Interactive 2015.
Good Morning Austin! We are here at #SXSWInteractive and ready to make some friends – come say hi! https://t.co/WLRHSr7W8E
NewsWhip (@NewsWhip) March 13, 2015
There’s a rush to bring your A-game while taking in everything Austin has to offer…
#IrelandSXSW Strategic briefing in progress… In BD Rileys obviously pic.twitter.com/8WWJEgATAD
DC (@donal_cahalane) March 13, 2015
such as collecting essential startup swag…
Another stellar addition to the #IrelandSXSW contingent – who wants one? #SXSW2015 pic.twitter.com/U31Jfl8MB2
Jonathan Barnes (@ei_jbarnes) March 13, 2015
..and remembering to take notes on the panels.
1. Use fear the right way 2. When the facts are clearly on your side persuade with questions. 3. Enlist the crowd. #SXSW2015
Rothco (@Rothco) March 13, 2015
14th March
The SXSW Irish consulate opened:
It’s open! Ireland’s newest consulate in Austin,Texas #EndaUS @rtenews @IrelandEmbUSA @IrelandCG pic.twitter.com/vPw755u1mH
Caitriona Perry (@CaitrionaPerry) March 15, 2015
SXSW Interactive was in session, highlighting the best of Irish entrepreneurship with help from TechCrunch editor Mike Butcher.
The #IrelandSXSW panel now at SUV with @mikebutcher @joepmitchell @furiousleddy and @Entirl CEO Julie Sinnamon #SXSW pic.twitter.com/L2rDa9lfDg
Jonathan Barnes (@ei_jbarnes) March 14, 2015
Remember, SXSW is serious business…
Our technical director meets a cookies expert #SXSW2015 pic.twitter.com/rT5wByABP6
Rothco (@Rothco) March 14, 2015
…with Irish companies coming out on top.
Congrats to @trustev , winner of ‘Meet the New Retail Disruptors’ competition #DFSXSW pic.twitter.com/hZ2kRgvHgL
Simon (@SimonPropertyGp) March 14, 2015
March 15th
Its all about that hustle: SXSW called for a creative approach to marketing.
I’ve heard of branding off the backs of other companies but this is a new one! @NewsWhip @teamwork pic.twitter.com/Sh8ZaJGZnI
GRAMMA Music (@GrammaMusic) March 16, 2015
And it wouldn’t be the same without the legendary parties.
Kicking off at the #IrelandSXSW party in BD Reilys on 6th – Come meet the best Ireland has to offer – and a Guinness! pic.twitter.com/GOBLTw88hQ
NewsWhip (@NewsWhip) March 15, 2015
On the 15th, The CEO of Ireland Inc. takes to the podium…
Irish Prime Minister addresses #Irish #startups & #vcs @sxsw – hear him speak @12.30 @Entirl @IDAIRELAND #whyireland pic.twitter.com/98wLqto0hf
Deirdre Moran (@DeeMorany) March 15, 2015
..and later gets mobbed by leprechauns.
An Taoiseach meets some @salesforce leprechauns at #sxsw #sxswireland pic.twitter.com/00cb3kzylD
IDA Emerging Biz (@IDAemergebiz) March 15, 2015
March 16th
This total legend gave Dublin Globe his blessing:
Mr. Corleone never asks a second favor if he’s refused the first #RobertDuvall #TotalLegend #Godfather @DublinGlobe pic.twitter.com/hNkHIND9C0
Niamh Bushnell (@NiamhBushnell) March 16, 2015
Meanwhile, free doughnuts were a perk of the job:
Come and get them! #IrelandSXSW pic.twitter.com/M9DBr9f0Se
Jonathan Barnes (@ei_jbarnes) March 16, 2015
March 17th
For anyone still standing, the party was still going strong.
#IrelandSXSW @Entirl Block Party in full swing. pic.twitter.com/9ovYXn2tUo
DC (@donal_cahalane) March 17, 2015
March 18th
This REALLY was the year to be Irish at SXSW.
Some of the #StPatricksDay greetings from yesterday’s #IrelandSXSW block party #LaFheilePadraig #SXSW @simoneboswell pic.twitter.com/eH9NoHrfzx
Jonathan Barnes (@ei_jbarnes) March 18, 2015
And finally:
Never forget. Never.
Taoiseach meets Hulk Hogan en route from Atlanta to Austin #EndaUS #hulk @HulkHogan @EndaKennyTD pic.twitter.com/di5EHJandd
Simon Carswell (@SiCarswell) March 15, 2015