Over 350 guests attended The Ireland Funds annual Rugby Lunch in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel on Friday 31st January. The lunch honoured Irish Rugby Legend, Ronan O’Gara who is Ireland’s second most capped player and the all-time highest points scorer for Ireland. Chairman of The Ireland Funds and former Irish International player, Hugo MacNeill, presented Ronan with his award at the event.
Other former rugby internationals in attendance Ollie Campbell, Doug Howlett, Paul Wallace, Fergus Slattery and Willie Duggan. Amongst the attendees was British Ambassador to Ireland, Ambassador Dominick Chilcott. Irish Board Directors were represented by Caroline Kennedy, David Duffy, David McRedmond, Jim Barry, John Crimmins, Mark Cunningham, Ronan Foley, Tommy Gallagher, Emer Gilvarry and David McRedmond. CEO of the Worldwide Ireland Funds Kieran McLoughlin was also in attendance and spoke to the capacity crowd about public philanthropic Partnerships and transparency in the sector. While Director Ireland, Caitriona Fottrell, gave an overview on the role of The Ireland Funds in Ireland, she spoke about the real need amongst the not for profit sector throughout the island, the levels of requests The Ireland Funds receive on a weekly basis and the support The Ireland Funds are able to provide.
The Ireland Funds Young Leaders also were in attendance to lend their support to this event led by Director of Young Leaders Caitlin Duffy and Chair of the Young Leaders Committee, Erica Roseingrave.
Thanks to all our sponsors and guests for their wonderful support.