Held across some of Ireland’s most iconic cultural and historic venues, the conference celebrated five decades of impact while bringing delegates together to explore the opportunities and challenges that will shape Ireland’s future. Throughout the week, guests experienced the breadth of The Ireland Funds’ work through thought-provoking discussions, project visits, artistic performances, and landmark announcements that underscored the enduring power of philanthropy to transform lives and communities.

The conference celebrated the extraordinary vision of founders Dan Rooney and Tony O’Reilly and the global community whose generosity has enabled The Ireland Funds to invest in thousands of organisations across the island of Ireland over the past half century. Events over the course of the few days reflected on the organisation’s remarkable journey and its continued commitment to building a better future for Ireland. 

A defining moment of the conference was the launch of A Further Shore, The Ireland Funds’ ambitious new campaign that aims to raise $200 million in support of communities across the island of Ireland. Announced by President & CEO of The Ireland Funds Caitriona Fottrell, the campaign represents the largest fundraising initiative in the organisation’s history and will provide transformative support for projects and programmes addressing some of Ireland’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Rooted in the spirit of connection that has defined The Ireland Funds since its founding, A Further Shore sets out a bold vision for the organisation’s next chapter of impact. 

A central theme of the conference was the transformative outcomes of The Ireland Funds’ grantees and scholars. At the Royal Irish Academy of Music, delegates attended the dedication of the Maureen and Craig Sullivan Lecture Theatre before hearing from former President Mary Robinson in conversation with Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC. A panel discussion featuring Adam Harris (CEO of AsIAm), Paul Caskey OBE (CEO of Integrated Education Fund), Dr Josephine Bleach (Director of Early Learning Initiative), Dáire Hennessy (CEO of Citywise Education), and Sean O’Neill McPartlin (Co-founder of Progress Ireland) – all leaders of organisations supported by The Ireland Funds from their earliest stages – explored how investment in people and communities can drive lasting change, while giving donors the opportunity to hear firsthand from organisations benefiting from their generosity and support. A performance by Jimmy Maguire who has come through The Ireland Funds No Mind Left Behind programme and Music Generation provided a powerful example of talent nurtured through philanthropy. 

Delegates also visited a range of funded projects, including Belvedere Youth Club and the Global Irish Football Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research and Midlands Science, and the Library of Trinity College Dublin. These visits showcased the diversity of programmes supported by The Ireland Funds and highlighted the results of strategic philanthropy across education, community development, culture, health, and scientific research. 

Ireland’s rich cultural landscape took centre stage during an Evening of Culture and Creativity at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Hosted by Executive Director of The Ireland Funds Siobhán Gallagher, the event featured performances from musicians, writers, and artists whose work has been supported by The Ireland Funds. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Ireland Funds Loretta Brennan Glucksman Literary Award to Zara Meadows by acclaimed author Colum McCann, celebrating a new generation of literary talent. The programme featured a heartfelt message from pop superstar Ed Sheeran and concluded with a surprise performance by Brendan Gleeson alongside traditional musicians John and James Carty, Liam O’Connor, and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. 

The evening also marked an important moment in the leadership of The Ireland Funds America, as outgoing Chair Gene McQuade was recognised for his exceptional leadership, commitment and steadfast support of the organisation. The occasion also marked the formal handover to Tom Quick, who will Chair the Board of The Ireland Funds America as the organization embarks on its next chapter and its ambitious vision for the future. 

The conference also provided a forum for discussion on issues shaping Ireland’s future. During a plenary session at AIB Headquarters, delegates heard from distinguished leaders in diplomacy, business, and public affairs, including Ireland’s Ambassador to the US Geraldine Byrne Nason and US Ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh, Gary McGann, Andrew Trimble, and Sam McBride. Closing the session, Caitriona Fottrell’s “Fifty and Forward” presentation reflected on the reach of The Ireland Funds over the past five decades and outlined an ambitious vision for the organisation’s next chapter. 

The celebrations culminated with The Ireland Funds 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Dublin Castle. The evening honoured internationally acclaimed novelist Maggie O’Farrell, recipient of The Ireland Funds AWB Vincent Literary Award, presented by writer Joseph O’Connor.  

Addressing guests, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD paid tribute to the difference made by The Ireland Funds over the past fifty years, describing it as “the largest and most impactful global philanthropic organisation for the benefit of our island and our communities.” Reflecting on the organisation’s role in supporting peace, education, culture, and community development, he noted that “The Ireland Funds has been there every step of the way” in Ireland’s transformation over the last fifty years. 

A second landmark announcement came with the unveiling of a renewed €20 million commitment to Music Generation through a partnership between The Ireland Funds, U2 and Government. Announced by Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, Minister Hildegarde Naughton TD, Caitriona Fottrell, and U2 members The Edge and Adam Clayton, the investment will support the next phase of Music Generation’s work, ensuring thousands more young people across Ireland can access high-quality music education and performance opportunities. 

Photography: Aengus McMahon, Mark Stedman, Conor Ó Mearáin and Damien Eagers