Carlow-born Lorraine Twohill, Senior VP of Global Marketing at Google was presented with The Ireland Funds Distinguished Leadership Award at the St. Francis Hotel on Friday March 9th. Among the VIPs in attendance was renowned philanthropist Chuck Feeney who was honored by The Ireland Funds in 2016 for his passion for “giving while living” through Atlantic Philanthropies. The atmosphere was jubilant and celebratory; in the words of Consul General Robert O’Driscoll, it was an “absolute triumph” for Lorraine.
“Tonight we have the privilege of recognizing two great figures bound together by one pillar of Irish education: Dublin City University,” said Kieran McLoughlin, Worldwide President & CEO of The Ireland Funds. “Chuck Feeney is the university’s greatest benefactor and Lorraine Twohill is its most successful alum. Both are towering examples of the power and commitment of Ireland’s diaspora to give back and invest in Ireland’s future. ”
Lorraine was recognized by The Ireland Funds for her extraordinary business accomplishments as well as for her philanthropy. For the last nine years, Twohill has served as Google’s CMO, managing a global team responsible for telling the evolving story of Google’s brand, driving revenue growth, and bringing the products that engineers build to life for billions of users every day. “I’m delighted that tonight’s dinner has been such a huge success,” said Marjorie Muldowney, VP for Development of The Ireland Funds America. “We’re thrilled to recognize Lorraine Twohill for being such a driving force at Google and for her support for Ireland. For the past 15 years, she has embraced every challenge with gusto and continues to inspire many young Irish men and women. We’re so proud of all she has accomplished.”
Lorraine spoke eloquently about her childhood and the emphasis her parents placed on education. She spoke warmly about her alma mater, Dublin City University, and announced a special gift to DCU in honor of her mother, to be known as the Teresa Twohill Access Scholarship Endowment. Lorraine received a standing ovation led by her husband Pete Davis and children, Ethan and Izzy.
Kieran McLoughlin paid tribute to former longtime supporter and national Board Director, Craig Sullivan, who passed away in December and is greatly missed by his many friends at The Ireland Funds.
Over 400 guests from the spheres of business, the arts and politics attended the Gala at The Westin St. Francis Hotel. Guests present on the night included the event’s Honorary Chairs Brian & Olivia Gaynor-Long of Atlantic Bridge, Dublin City University President Brian McCraith, Consul General Robert O’Driscoll, Vice Consul John Callaghan, Ireland Funds Board Director Bart Murphy and Paraic Hayes of the IDA. Actor Matt McCoy was Master of Ceremonies. Also present were Lorraine’s colleagues from Google including Adam Ruxton, Bob Borchers and Anne Marie Farrell, as well as guests Omid Kordestani and Paddy Cosgrave of Web Summit. Other special guests included Maureen Sullivan and family, Colin Ryan of Goldman Sachs, Kathleen Ryan, John Hartnett of ITLG, Erin Ebeling of Alice Phelan Sullivan Corporation, Mary & Tom Hunt, Nancy & Bill Murphy, Claire Lee of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Emmet Daly of PwC, Mary & Steve Almassy, Sally Ann Flood & Michael Kenny, and Derry Casey.
The Gala was generously sponsored by: EJ Tracy of Tracy Industries, Joan & Dave O’Reilly, Bill McMorrow of Kennedy Wilson, First Republic Bank, Essence, Keith Ennis, Mrs. Patsy McGinnis, Diane Wilsey and Chris Kenefick of Kenefick Ranch Wines and UCSF.
Special thanks to the wonderful Auction supporters:
Ashford Castle, Dromoland Castle, The Merrion, Sheen Falls Lodge, Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel, Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Drawing Supporters:
Cinta Salon, Telling Whiskey Distillery, St. Francis Hotel, Momo’s Restaurant, San Francisco Giants, Surf Air.
photos: Anthony Delgado
