The Ireland Funds honored two of our dearest friends, announced an exciting gift, and raised a toast to 50 years of the organization’s impact across Ireland, all in the company of our loyal friends and supporters.

Bill and Anne McNally were recognized for their outstanding leadership and enduring contributions as among The Ireland Funds’ earliest supporters. Bill served as the first Executive Director of The American Ireland Fund, guiding the organization in its formative years. His vision and wisdom were instrumental in The Ireland Funds’ growth, helping it become one of the largest funders of the nonprofit sector across Ireland. As we mark The Ireland Funds’ 50th anniversary in 2026, it is a privilege to honor the lasting impact of Bill and Anne.

Multiple generations of the Corcoran family gathered together to announce the annual Joe & Rose Corcoran Award in support of The Ireland Funds’ mission. As some of the organization’s earliest champions, Joe and Rose’s legacy lives on through this generous gift, which will make an annual grant to a project or projects supported by The Ireland Funds in Ireland. The initial award announced that night will support the work of The Integrated Education Fund, empowering children from diverse backgrounds to learn together in Northern Ireland.

Three of Joe and Rose Corcoran’s grandchildren — Jen Corcoran, Aidan Corcoran, and Mickey Chapple — delivered the announcement, which was a highlight of the gathering. Each shared heartfelt reflections on their family’s generational relationship with The Ireland Funds and the deep meaning it held.

CEO of the Integrated Education Fund, Paul Caskey, OBE, graciously accepted the Joe & Rose Corcoran Award and spoke about the decades-long partnership between The Ireland Funds and the IEF. He noted that The Ireland Funds played a pivotal role in establishing Northern Ireland’s first integrated school, Lagan College, in 1981. Paul Caskey described The Ireland Funds’ support as “absolutely pivotal.” Caitriona Fottrell, President & CEO of The Ireland Funds, thanked all of those gathered, noting that Joe and Rose Corcoran, along with Bill and Anne McNally, were among the visionary New England supporters who recognized early on the importance of investing in integrated education. She gave particular thanks to Board Director Suzanne Corcoran and the entire Corcoran family for their magnificent generosity and for hosting the special event.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who joined us in celebrating The Ireland Funds’ 50th anniversary.