On Saturday, July 20th Caitriona Fottrell, President, and CEO of The Ireland Funds welcomed supporters and friends to the Whaling Museum for the 30th Nantucket Celebration which honored Bob and Laurie Monahan for their leadership and philanthropic endeavors.
She welcomed United States Ambassador to Brazil Elizabeth Frawley Bagley and Ireland’s Ambassador to the US Geraldine Byrne Nason and the event’s co-chairs: Anne Finucane & Mike Barnicle, Bart Grenier & Leslie King Grenier, Bill & Una Murphy, Chris & Ann Quick, Bob & Laura Reynolds and thanked the Nantucket Committee Members.
Ambassador Nason expressed gratitude for the warm welcome she received on the island. She spoke of the mission of The Ireland Funds saying, “The work you’ve done north and south of the border is simply without comparison. It has been an exemplary organization…I’m very grateful to The Ireland Funds for what it does in Ireland, but also deeply grateful for that trademark generosity of Irish America.”
Bob Reynolds, Board Director of The Ireland Funds America presented the award to Honorees Bob & Laurie and thanked them for their philanthropy and leadership on Nantucket and beyond; including hosting the Medal of Honor ceremony, not once but twice – a great acknowledgment for the people who have served their country.
Bob Monahan spoke saying they were deeply honored to accept the incredible recognition from The Ireland Funds Nantucket Celebration. He said the moment was a personal milestone He extended their gratitude to The Ireland Funds saying, “The work you do is vital it is a privilege to be associated with such a distinguished organization. Being recognized this way, surrounded by so many friends and supporters of The Ireland Funds is an honor and responsibility reminding us of the importance of giving back, contributing to the men and women of our communities, and nurturing the bonds that hold us together.”
Caitriona thanked all who attended for their continued support of the mission of The Ireland Funds and noted how events like the Nantucket celebration impact so many lives across the island of Ireland in a meaningful way.
Photographer: Cary Tozer
