Over 380 guests attended The Ireland Funds annual Rugby Lunch in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel on Friday 13th February. The lunch honoured Irish Rugby Legend, Keith Wood who not only is one of Ireland’s finest rugby legends but also a long-time supporter of The Ireland Funds
Ireland Funds Director, Caitriona Fottrell opened the event and introduced the new Chairman of The Ireland Funds in Ireland, Ronan Foley who welcomed many well-known faces from the Business community who support The Ireland Funds both at home and abroad.
Former rugby internationals in attendance included Hugo MacNeill, Trevor Ringland, Brendan Mullin, Philip Matthews and Nigel Carr. Also in attendance was British Ambassador to Ireland, Ambassador Dominick Chilcott and his wife Jane and US Ambassador to Ireland, Ambassador Kevin O’Malley and his wife Dena. The Ireland Funds Board Directors were represented by David Duffy, Caroline Kennedy, John Crimmins, Mark Cunningham, Michael Houlihan, Tommy Gallagher, Alan Foy and Emer Gilvarry.
Other guests included Michael Flatley and Mark Pollock, Louise Kennedy, Claire Byrne, Peter Sutherland and Dragen’s Den, Eamonn Quinn. Keith and Nicola Wood attended with their three boys, Alexander, Gordon and Tom.
Caitriona Fottrell, Director of The Ireland Funds gave an overview on the role of The Ireland Funds in Ireland and spoke about the real need amongst the not for profit sector throughout the island, the levels of requests The Ireland Funds receive on a weekly basis and the support The Ireland Funds are able to provide.
President & CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds, Kieran McLoughlin flew in directly from the Palm Beach Dinner which had taken place the previous evening, to present Keith with his award.
The Ireland Funds Young Leaders also were in attendance to lend their support to this event.
Thanks to all our sponsors and guests for their wonderful support.
