Kevin O'Malley nominated as new US ambassador to Ireland
Irish-American lawyer Kevin O'Malley has been chosen to be the next US ambassador to Ireland.
His nomination was announced by President Obama on Thursday.
Mr O'Malley has been practicing as a trial lawyer for 35 years. He was an adjunct professor at Washington University School of Law since 2013, and taught at St Louis University School of Law from 1979 to 1985.
He replaces Dan Rooney, who left the post in December 2012.
His nomination for the post will go forward to the US Senate for confirmation, and will be examined at a committee hearing.
Mr O'Malley practises law in St Louis, Missouri and last year was given the Award of Honour from the Lawyers Association of St Louis.
He is a second-generation Irish-American and his grandfather came from Mayo.