Galway huh? We might be related, Curran/Cogan.
This was my reply to a French stuedent looking for an internship in the US:
"I think I would start with the US Government. Less work more pay:
http://www.energy.gov/employment.htm
http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9ag.asp
ADM is a pretty big outfit, you could probably interview over there:
http://www.admworld.com/naen/careers/college.asp
Conagra another huge one:
http://www.conagrafoodscompany.com/corporate/careers/college.jsp "
Don't be disuaded by the size of the organization, put forth the effort, thank them for any and all help they provide even if they do nothing. You will stand out among many. Some one may appreciate the effort and think "we're not hiring but these people may be".