The Ireland Funds Annual Rugby Lunch – 31st January 2020
Over 350 guests attended The Ireland Funds annual Rugby Lunch in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel on Friday 31st January honouring Irish Rugby hero, Paul O’Connell.
The Ireland Funds Chairman, Alan Foy, opened proceedings by welcoming guests and highlighting the great and global network of The Ireland Funds and the importance of corporate support for the organization.
Alan then introduced VP & Director Ireland, Caitriona Fottrell, who thanked The Ireland Funds’ Corporate Partners: Blueface, Mason Hayes & Curran and KPMG, whose continued support is greatly appreciated. Caitriona spoke about the work of The Ireland Funds and how donations made on the day would help support its annual Grant Rounds investing in programs across the island of Ireland. She then introduced a short video that highlighted the impact of seven fantastic Flagship Awardees and their big ambition for social change.
The Ireland Funds America President & CEO, David Cronin, presented Paul with his award which he received for his outstanding contribution to Ireland as a sportsman on the pitch and through his philanthropic activities off the pitch. Sports Broadcaster Evanne Ní Chuilinn, conducted a lively Q&A with honouree Paul O’Connell whose fantastic rugby career has seen him play professionally for Munster and Toulon, have Grand Slam success with Ireland and tours with the British & Irish Lions.
In attendance were Chairman and Vice Chair of The Ireland Funds America, Gene McQuade and Shaun Kelly; Chairman of The Ireland Funds Canada, Oliver Murray; President of The Ireland Funds Singapore, Colin MacDonald; The Ireland Funds America Board Director, John Fitzpatrick and President & CEO of The Ireland Funds America, David Cronin. The Ireland Funds Board of Directors was represented by Alan Foy, Jim Barry, Tommy Gallagher, Emer Gilvarry, Colin Hunt, Caroline Kennedy, Brendan McDonagh, Angela Moore, and Gerard Ryan.
Special thanks to all our lunch Partners: AIB, Brandes Investment Partners, William Fry and guests for their wonderful support.
Photography: Mark Stedman and Sean Curtis
