On Thursday October 30th, 2025, over 600 friends of Ireland gathered to celebrate The Ireland Funds 41st Annual Chicago Dinner Gala.
Dinner Chairman Terry Brady, and Co-Chair Devon Bruce along with dinner committee members ensured that it was a successful and fun evening.
Áine Mallaghan, Vice President of The Ireland Funds America, Midwest, welcomed the guests and led a special moment of remembrance for Sister Rosemary Connelly, the 2022 Chicago Dinner Honoree who passed away earlier this year. Tribute was also paid to Rose Marie O’Neill who also passed away earlier in the year and was a loyal supporter of The Ireland Funds Chicago Dinner.
Terry Brady, Chairman of The Ireland Funds Chicago Regional Advisory Committee, presented Kerry Group with The Ireland Funds Corporate Social Responsibility Award. Oliver Kelly, Group Chief Commercial Officer, accepted the award on Kerry’s behalf and spoke of the deep pride Kerry had in its humble beginnings 50 years on a diary farm in Tralee, County Kerry to its global growth and focus on innovation and a commitment to excellence.
Oliver said:
‘’The Ireland Funds have promoted positive impact through collaborative engagement for almost 50 years. Kerry has been a proud supporter of the Funds’ work, and it is a true honor for us to achieve this recognition for Corporate Social Responsibility. Like the Ireland Funds, we are proudly engaged in the communities in which we operate around the world, as we advance our purpose to inspire food and nourish life.’’
Michael Smyth, CEO of COPE Galway, spoke about the work his organization undertakes across County Galway with the support of The Ireland Funds. COPE helps 3,000 people annually through challenging and vulnerable times involving homelessness, elderly support and domestic violence.
Special performance for the evening was provided by local Chicago youth choir Uniting Voices of Chicago, who performed a stunning version of U2’s One and had everyone in the room singing along.
Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for International Development and Diaspora spoke to the guests about the impact of the Irish Diaspora in Chicago and across the world.
The evening concluded with a special tribute to Irish rugby and a feature on the upcoming Rematch between Ireland and New Zealand this weekend with many former Irish players in the room.
Dinner Vice Chair Devon Bruce wrapped up the evening and guests left with Paddy Homan delivering a roof rising performance of Ireland’s Call.
Special thanks to our auction sponsors, Kerry Group, and to Kerrygold and The Mark Anthony Companies for the delicious Irish food and drinks of the night.
Photographer: Ana Miyares