The Ireland Funds hosted its 28th Annual National Gala at The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, TD Prime Minister of Ireland addressed the 600+ guests attending The Ireland Funds’ event as part of his St. Patrick’s Day visit to the U.S.
The Gala’s theme was “A Celebration of Irish America’s Commitment to Peace and Reconciliation.” and honored leaders in business and government. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of the U.S. House of Representatives received The Ireland Funds Distinguished Leadership Award and Matthew Shay, President and CEO of the National Retail Federation received The Ireland Funds Business Leadership Award. Special recognition was given to Congressman Peter King, Co-Chair of Friends of Ireland in Congress.
“Tonight’s event celebrates not only importance of the ties between the U.S. and the island of Ireland, but also the efforts of so many in Washington D.C. to strengthen peace and reconciliation, which is one of the pillars of The Ireland Funds’ mission,” said David Cronin, President & CEO of The Ireland Funds America. “It is an honor to recognize the accomplishments of Nancy Pelosi, Matthew Shay, and Congressman Peter King. All three personify the spirit of The Ireland Funds in their devotion to leadership and public service.”
The evening was a gathering of Irish and Irish American leaders in business, government, philanthropy and the arts. The event celebrated Irish culture and heritage and generated support for the work of The Ireland Funds. The annual Gala is a key opportunity to celebrate Irish-American relations in the presence of key decision makers providing a unique platform to advance the Irish agenda in America.
Guests of note included H.E. Daniel Mulhall, Irish Ambassador to the U.S; H.E. Edward F. Crawford
U.S. Ambassador to Ireland; Michael Tatham, The British Embassy Charge d’Affaires; and Representative Richard E. Neal, Chairman of Friends of Ireland in Congress.
Photos: Erika Layne
