San Francisco Gala 2024
Honoring Stripe CRO, Eileen O’Mara
Friday, March 8th
The Ireland Funds honored Stripe CRO Eileen O’Mara with The Ireland Funds Distinguished Leadership Award at the San Francisco Gala Dinner on Friday, March 8 at the St. Francis Hotel. San Francisco Consul General Micheal Smith launched this black-tie celebration, providing a warm introduction to The Ireland Funds CEO, Caitriona Fottrell and acknowledging the work of San Francisco Ireland Funds VP Marjorie Muldowney on the West Coast.
Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland’s 19th ambassador to the United States, paid tribute to Eileen O’Mara, giving a very special introduction on International Women’s Day. Eileen leads a global team that helps millions of companies use Stripe to accept payments, grow their revenue, and accelerate new business opportunities. Prior to joining Stripe, Eileen held a number of roles at Salesforce, including International CMO and head of commercial revenue for APAC & EMEA, where she led large teams across diverse markets. Originally from Ennis, Co. Clare, Eileen is a graduate of the University of Galway. Founded by Patrick and John Collison, Stripe has played an important role in supporting DEIS schools in Ireland and in promoting greater access to a college education. In her speech, Eileen spoke about the fact that she had been a beneficiary of U.S. foreign direct investment in technology companies – and how that played a big part in the development of her career, allowing her to stay in Ireland and not emigrate.
Over 300 guests from the spheres of business, the arts and politics attended the Gala, along with Board Directors Bill McKiernan Bart Murphy, Maureen O’Brien Sullivan and Amy Roberti. The event was generously supported by Joan & Dave O’Reilly, Maureen O’Brien Sullivan, Stripe, Eileen & Bart Murphy, Ruth Cotter & Bjorn Haug, Nikki & Colin Ryan, Dede Wilsey, as well as Susan & Harry Hartford, Patrick Collison, John Collison, Ron Conway, Betsy & Bill McKiernan, and Jeanne Parker Martin. Key corporate and university supporters included UCD Foundation, Cleary Gottlieb, Kennedy Wilson, IDA Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Alice Phelan Sullivan Corporation, Citizens Private Bank, DCU Educational Trust, and the University of Galway. Longtime supporters Eamonn & Sylvia Fitzgerald, Nancy & Bill Murphy, and Mary & Tom Hunt were there, as well as Hon. Kevin Mullin, Sup. Myrna Melgor, and a wonderful group of enthusiastic guests. Celine Kennelly of the Irish Pastoral Center added a wonderful sound of Ireland with her lovely Irish voice accompanied by Mary McKeever and the evening wrapped up with a lively dance session with Dave Martin’s House Party.
Special thanks to our sponsors who generously contributed to the exclusive auction & drawing: Aer Lingus, The Merrion Hotel, Ashford Castle, Dromoland Castle, Sheen Falls Lodge, Fitzpatrick’s Hotel New York, The Westin St. Francis Hotel, the IRFU, the Intercontinental Hotel Ballsbridge, San Francisco Giants, and Mission Rock Resort.
The San Francisco Gala is our largest West Coast event, helping to raise key funding for hundreds of Irish charities and causes supported by The Ireland Funds. Please save the date of Friday, December 6th for The Ireland Funds San Francisco Women in Leadership Luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Photographer: Elaine Lee
