Caitriona Fottrell, CEO and President, welcomed guests and thanked Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley for hosting this year’s event, noting that Ambassador Bagley also hosted the inaugural celebration in 1994. Caitriona thanked all attendees for their continued support and highlighted how their generosity is making a difference in countless lives across Ireland every day.

Ambassador Bagley delivered gracious remarks and reflected on the first Nantucket Celebration and its remarkable growth over the years. She introduced Leslie King Grenier, who, alongside Jack Dunfey, played a pivotal role in establishing the event on the island. Leslie and Ambassador Bagley then raised a toast to the next fifty years of The Ireland Funds, saluting “from one island to another.”

Ambassador Byrne Nason spoke about the transformative power of The Ireland Funds and its profound impact on communities across Ireland, expressing gratitude for all the organization had accomplished.

Maudy Dooher, Vice President of Development for New England, acknowledged the amazing leadership of the event’s Co-Chairs: Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, Anne Finucane, Bart Grenier & Leslie King Grenier, Bob & Laurie Monahan, Bill & Una Murphy, Chris & Ann Quick, Bob & Laura Reynolds, and Jay & Kristin Waring. She also offered a special word of thanks to the Nantucket Committee Members for their unwavering support.

It was a blustery, soft evening, with the lively music of the traditional Irish group Ishna and delicious Ireland-inspired cuisine adding to the atmosphere and the celebration of the work of The Ireland Funds and the connections between Ireland and Nantucket.