On Saturday, July 27, 2019, 160 supporters of The Ireland Funds gathered at the Nantucket home of Anne Finucane and Mike Barnicle for The Ireland Funds’ 30th annual Nantucket Celebration. The evening was blessed by beautiful summer weather as guests gathered in the pool area and enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and Nantucket’s iconic “Spanky’s” raw bar.
The Ireland Funds’ New England Director and Vice President of Development Steve Greeley extended a warm Irish welcome to the crowd, thanking event Chairmen George Albrecht, Bob & Paula Butler, and Bob & Laura Reynolds and their Committee for their continued support. The Ireland Funds America Director and host Anne Finucane introduced close friend and the evening’s honoree, Vanity Fair Feature correspondent and philanthropist Maureen Orth. Maureen shared an entertaining recollection of her connections to Ireland and praised The Ireland Funds for its impact in Ireland, stressing the need for its continued support during these critical Brexit times.
President and CEO of The Ireland Funds David Cronin outlined The Ireland Funds’ mission and its various forms of grant-making, highlighting the recent launch of a $1 Million grant round. Irish Ambassador to the United States Dan Mulhall praised the night’s hosts and Committee and acknowledged the importance of the close relationship of the United States and Ireland. He gave an overview of the current status of Brexit vis-a-vis the possibility of the return of “hard borders” between The Republic and Northern Ireland.
As the sun set, a single bagpiper played from the upper balcony, saluting the gathering and closing a most enjoyable night.
Photos: Cary Tozer
Co-Chairs
George Albrecht
Paula & Bob Butler
Bob & Laura Reynolds
Committee Members
Ben Barnes
Bill Belichick & Linda Holliday
Steve & Susan Burbage
Bill & Cindy Burke
Brett & Lisbeth Burns
Kevin Callahan
George & Tiffany Cloutier
Bob Crowe
Danielle deBenedictis & Peter Karlson
Jack & Lisa Dunfey
Anne Finucane & Mike Barnicle
Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley
Jim & Susan Geraghty
Marybeth Gilmartin
Mike & Rebecca Greeley
Bart Grenier & Leslie King Grenier
Ken & Kathy Kies
Scott & Sheila Knight
Jack Manning & Lyle Howland
Brian & Kelly McKernan
Betsy & Bill McKiernan
Bob & Laurie Monahan
Michael & Daniela Muldowney
Bill & Una Murphy
John Osborn
Bruce & Elisabeth Percelay
Chris & Ann Quick
Luke Russert
Guy & Dede Snowden
Bob & Susan Wright
