On Thursday 7 December, Christmas festivities kicked off at a Reception in the newly refurbished Regent House, Trinity College Dublin.
Guests arrived to the sounds of Music Generation harpists from Co. Laois. The players, who ranged in age from ten to sixteen years old, receive tuition in both classical and Irish harp through Music Generation’s music education programme, which is proudly supported by The Ireland Funds.
Guests heard from Caitriona Fottrell, Director Ireland, who welcomed everybody to the inaugural event hosted in the interior of the landmark Main Archway overlooking Parliament Square on one side and the bustling College Green on the other. Caitriona thanked those who support the work of The Ireland Funds throughout the year before announcing the 2017 Ireland Funds Flagship Grantees: Blossom Ireland, Integrated Education Fund, Irish Film Institute, Irish Men’s Sheds Association and Speedpak Group. She spoke about the real impact the Flagship grantees were having across a range of sectors throughout the island of Ireland, and how The Ireland Funds was proud to support the key work being done by them.
Caitriona then introduced Aoibheann O’Brien, Co-founder and CEO of FoodCloud Hubs. Aoibheann spoke warmly about how receiving The Ireland Funds Flagship Grant in 2016 impacted their organisation and allowed it to grow and expand vital services by 30% in just one year.
Siobhán Gallagher, Director of Young Leaders, concluded the presentation by giving special thanks to the Young Leaders for the continued commitment and hard work across the global network of friends.
A special thank you to all who attended and to our event partner, Eversheds Sutherland.
