The Ireland Funds Distinguished Leadership Award was presented by Irial Finan, Chair of Smurfit Westrock to Tony Smurfit, President, Group CEO and Director of Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. Tony’s leadership encompasses 500+ facilities across forty countries and six continents, while employing approximately 97,000 people. “It’s both an honor and a privilege to receive this prestigious award from The Ireland Funds, especially when I look to the past recipients,” said Tony Smurfit. “At Smurfit Westrock, I work alongside a team of talented and dedicated people who have all played their part in building the global leader in sustainable packaging that we have today. It’s quite a transformation journey from where we started with one small box plant in Dublin.”

The Ireland Funds Performing Arts Award was presented by Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley to her dear friend Carole King, legendary singer, songwriter, author and environmentalist. Carole is recognized as one of the most successful female songwriters of all time with over 118 Billboard chart hits in the US alone. Her music is an integral part of American cultural history and has earned her a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as well as four Grammy Awards. “I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” said Carole King. “I love that The Ireland Funds was founded on the premise and the promise of peace and possibility. At a time when those principles seem almost out of reach, The Ireland Funds continues to step up, and it matters.”

“Fifty years ago, our founders had a vision of harnessing the power of collective care for the island of Ireland,” said Caitriona Fottrell, President & CEO of The Ireland Funds. “Fifty years later, we’ve built stronger communities, supported thousands of nonprofit organizations and improved the lives of countless people. As we mark this milestone, we proudly celebrate the key role that the New York Gala has played in that success, and we are excited to move forward with increased purpose and opportunity.