The San Francisco Gala is The Ireland Funds’ largest West Coast event, helping to raise key funding for hundreds of Irish charities and causes.
The 2026 San Francisco Gala held on Friday, March 6 marked the 50th anniversary of The Ireland Funds. The black-tie celebration was held at the St. Francis Hotel and honored global life sciences leader & Agilent CEO Padraig McDonnell with The Ireland Funds Corporate Leadership Award. San Francisco Ireland Funds VP Marjorie Muldowney welcomed a vibrant crowd and spoke about San Francisco’s legacy – the city where the No Mind Left Behind Scholarship program began; where Seamus Heaney helped conceive The Ireland Funds Literary Award to invest in the careers of young Irish writers; and where The Ireland Funds Women in Leadership luncheon was launched 20 years ago. The Ireland Funds President & CEO Caitriona Fottrell spoke of 2025 as the most impactful year in The Ireland Funds’ grantmaking history, delivering over $58.5m to organizations throughout the island of Ireland, helping to make1,300+ grants and scholarships possible. AMD Senior VP Ruth Cotter provided a glowing introduction to Padraig McDonnell, describing his early roots in Cavan to his ascent as Agilent CEO. In his leadership role, Padraig has spearheaded exceptional expansion; further empowering customers in their scientific achievements.
Following a warm introduction by Celine Kennelly of The Irish Pastoral Center, Consul General Micheal Smith was presented with The Ireland Funds Distinguished Leadership Award. A native of Armagh, Consul General Micheal Smith has been a highly collaborative partner to many, building bridges between Ireland and the Western United States, supporting the diaspora community by promoting trade, culture, education, and philanthropy. Immensely popular and admired for his bright and upbeat energy, Consul General Smith has immersed himself in the service of our community. Micheal paid tribute to the Irish community and particularly to his fellow honoree, Padraig McDonnell. He also gave a fond salute to his wonderful wife Claire who has brought sparkle and warmth to many Bay Area gatherings. Micheal closed with a rousing rendition of A Song for Ireland; a moving moment for the audience and a standing ovation followed. The Smiths will be much missed when Micheal takes on his new role as Ireland’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia later in 2026.
Almost 400 guests from the spheres of technology, business, law, and the arts attended the Gala, along with Board Directors Amy Roberti, Meagan Levitan, and Ruth Cotter. In addition to magnificent support from AMD, Ruth Cotter & Bjorn Haug, Paccar, Inc., EJ & Michael Farrell, Agilent, Stripe, Susan & Harry Hartford, and Eileen & Bart Murphy, our generous Table Sponsors included Agilent, IDA Ireland, Kennedy Wilson, UCD Foundation, and Diane B. Wilsey, along with Dermody Properties & Allen Matkins LLP, Meagan Levitan & Dale Carlson, Equinix, AIB & William Fry LLP, California Legislative Irish Caucus, Grant Thornton, Tom & Mary Hunt, Mary Staunton & Redmond Lyons, Invest Northern Ireland, Jeanne & Mike Martin, Carol & John McDonnell, and Bill & Betsy McKiernan. Other key Table Sponsors included Alice Phelan Sullivan Corporation, Deloitte, Maynooth University, JP Morgan & Orrick, and Tourism Ireland. Following a fabulous Auction conducted by Liam Mayclem, Dave Martin’s House Party wrapped up the evening with dancing and fun.
Special thanks to our sponsors who generously contributed to the Exclusive Auction:
Ashford Castle, Ballyfin Demesne, Cashel Palace Hotel, The Merrion Hotel, The Park Hotel Kenmare, Fitzpatrick’s Manhattan Hotel New York, The Westin St. Francis Hotel, The Westin Ties Square, the Intercontinental Hotel Ballsbridge, Toboni Vineyard, San Francisco Giants, Mission Rock Resort and Epic Steak.
Please save the date of Friday, December 4 for The Ireland Funds San Francisco Women in Leadership Luncheon.
Thank you for joining us!