Boston, November 4, 2024 – The Ireland Funds welcomed over 650 of New England’s top corporate leaders and friends of Ireland as they gathered at The Westin Copley Place to celebrate The Ireland Funds 43rd Boston Gala. The evening was a gathering in support of charitable, cultural and educational causes across both the island of Ireland and locally in Massachusetts.
Notable guests in attendance included business, civic and philanthropic leaders such as Robert Kraft (Chairman & CEO, The New England Patriots), Dr. Albert Bourla (Chairman & CEO, Pfizer), Ed Murphy (President & CEO, Empower), M. Lee Pelton (President & CEO, The Boston Foundation), Anne Finucane (Former Vice Chair, BofA and Chair, BofA Europe Senior Advisor, TPG Rise Climate) and Jean Hynes (CEO, Wellington Management). Dignitaries in attendance included Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey, Sighle Fitzgerald, Consul General of Ireland to New England, and David Clay, British Consul General to New England.
Caitriona Fottrell, President & CEO of The Ireland Funds offered a warm welcome to all donors, sponsors and friends in the room and thanked guests for their support. She thanked the Boston Gala Committee and Gala Chair Jim Rooney of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce for their dedication and commitment in making this the most successful Gala since before the pandemic.
Ronald P. O’Hanley, Chairman and CEO of State Street was honored with The Ireland Funds Distinguished Leadership Award. He was introduced by last year’s honoree Jean Hynes, CEO of Wellington Management, who spoke of being a great admirer of Ron’s leadership and deep commitment to his colleagues, clients and community. She thanked him for his vision, leadership and everything he does to advance the causes supported by The Ireland Funds.
As he accepted the Award, Ron spoke with affection of his Irish roots in Co. Roscommon and Co. Cork. He spoke with pride of State Street’s long history of presence in Ireland. He highlighted his pride in serving on the board of The Ireland Funds America and its work advancing “this spirit of generosity, commitment and connection to Ireland.”
Anne Finucane led the remarks for the special tribute to her friend and mentor the late Jack Connors, a beloved Boston businessman and philanthropist. Both Anne and Jack served as Board Members of The Ireland Funds America and Anne remembered him as, “a man of big gestures and small kindness.”
After dinner, Gala Chair Jim Rooney asked the Gala Committee members to stand, so the room could acknowledge their hard work. Jim proudly announced that the event raised $1.8 million to support The Ireland Funds in its mission to advance peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, enhance access to education, promote Irish arts and culture, and strengthen the connections that bring communities closer together.
The evening’s Guest of Honor was Massachusetts Governor, the Honorable Maura Healey. Governor Healey highlighted the service of Honoree Ron O’Hanley saying he was, “not only leading one of our flagship companies, but also giving of his time and experience to make our state stronger”. She also reflected on the importance of “building a humane world, where everyone’s dignity is respected and everyone’s talent is embraced,” this, she said, was what The Ireland Funds works for.
Maudy Dooher, The Ireland Funds Vice President of Development for New England announced the local beneficiaries who would benefit from the success of the 2024 Boston Gala including Camp Harbor View in memory of Jack Connors, Rian Immigrant Centre, The Irish Pastoral Centre and The Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester.
It was a wonderful night of great camaraderie, a strong sense of connection to Ireland, stirring entertainment, and an opportunity to give back to great causes – all hallmarks of the event and of The Ireland Funds.
Photography by Maura Wayman and Bill Brett
