Irish eyes were shining brightly on Thursday night at The Ireland Funds Pittsburgh Gala.

Acrisure Stadium was a combination of the Emerald Isle, a Hollywood movie mecca and Steelers football and fashion for a night that highlighted the honorees, which included award winning actor Michael Keaton and Steelers Super Bowl winning coach Mike Tomlin and his wife and fashion designer Kiya Tomlin.

An Irish pub area reminded everyone about the great cause at hand, The Ireland Funds, which was started in 1976 by late Steelers Chairman and Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney and fellow Pittsburgh businessman the late Tony O’Reilly with a trinity of goals which includes peace, culture, and charity. The Ireland Funds is now celebrating its 50th anniversary, something that warms the heart of Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO of The Ireland Funds.

“It’s not only amazing, it’s kind of overwhelming when you go out to the pitch and see the 50th (anniversary) on that huge screen,” said Fottrell. “It is absolutely overwhelming.

“It all started in Pittsburgh with an idea with Dan and Patricia Rooney and Tony O’Reilly. I think they were unbelievably ambitious and they had an extraordinary vision, but I don’t think even they could have imagined just how far it would go and the impact it would have. It’s just incredibly powerful.

“When we were celebrating our 40th anniversary, Dan was asked what he was most proud of, and he said the fact that we’re still here, and that’s very relevant, even more so today at the 50th.”

Steelers President Art Rooney II took over the reins for the Pittsburgh Gala, with memories back to the first one that was held in 1976.

“It’s amazing, and it’s great that it’s lasted this long,” said Rooney. “I was at the first dinner in 1976 and I’m not sure anybody was really sure it would last 50 years that night. It’s a tribute to the hard work that my dad and Tony O’Reilly put into it, getting it off the ground and really making sure that it was sustainable. I think the first 10, 15 years, it really was an effort to spread it around the country, spread it around the world. Now to look back on 50 years and see what was accomplished, it’s great to see.”

From the moment you walked in the door, you were transported to the magic of the movies, from Keaton’s Beetlejuice to Batman featured in an epic manner from props to movie scenes displayed in iconic fashion.

“Michael’s career has been remarkable, and just the list of his accomplishments and credits is even longer than I thought,” said Rooney. “The great thing about Michael is that he never forgot where he came from. He’s a Pittsburgher, proud of it, wears it on his sleeve, and this is the second award he’s been back for in the last year and so it tells you what it means to him.

Football and fashion were also front and center to honor the Tomlins, from the Super Bowl XLIII trophy to a fashion forward storefront display, it embraced everything about the couple.

“My mother would be very proud that they’re getting the award,” said Rooney. “They really made Pittsburgh their home, raised their family here. They became ingrained in the community in a lot of ways that I’m sure people don’t realize. They didn’t really seek the spotlight in what they were doing with their community activities. They went out there and got involved and got things done. It’s really great to be able to present them this award.”

Irish entertainment was plentiful, which included an always treasured performance by Jim Lamb of Guaranteed Irish and Gaelic Artist was writing guest’s names in Gaelic.

Once the evening began, it was all about the honorees.

When people think of award-winning actor Michael Keaton, they often identify him with some of the iconic roles he has played.

And most times it’s Batman that comes to mind.

When people in Western Pennsylvania think of Keaton, there is another role that comes to mind.

Pittsburgher.

And that is why he was an easy selection to receive the 2026 Daniel M. Rooney Ambassador’s Award, presented to an individual who reflects Ambassador Rooney’s leadership, love of Pittsburgh and contribution to the community.

“Dan’s legacy with the Steelers and through co-founding The Ireland Funds, represents the kind of leadership, generosity and sense of community that is so meaningful to generations,” said Keaton. “He understood that you can go out into the world, build something extraordinary, and give back in profound ways. That’s what he did over and over again.

“To be honored in his name, in the city I grew up in, is something I’ll carry with me forever.”

Keaton also is honored to be a part of the 50th Anniversary of The Ireland Funds and supporting what the organization stands for.

“In such a divisive moment, I’m especially honored to be recognized by an organization that has promoted unity for 50 years,” said Keaton. “The programs started by Dan and Tony—spanning education, wellness, culture, and more—continue to create opportunity and strengthen connections across countries. They envisioned a global Irish community united in purpose, and I hope to play a small part in carrying that legacy forward.”

Event write-up courtesy of The Pittsburgh Steelers. Thank you to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Rooney family for their generosity and ongoing commitment to The Ireland Funds’ mission.