b'FALL / WINTERConnect2 0 1 2Dear Fellow Donors,As Ireland faces great challenges North and South, I am proud to say that The Ireland Funds are playing theirpart in helping the Irish meet those challenges. Economically, the Republic of Ireland is experiencing a hugecorrection to its finances. In fact, if the US went through the same fiscal correction as Ireland, it would now enjoya surplus of $1.5 billion. So the Irish are showing great fortitude and ensuring that the country will recover.Indeed, we believe that Ireland will be the come back nation of the Western World. However, while these corrections take place, people on the margins are under great pressure. We in the Funds are delivering supportto not for profit organizations on the ground that are reaching out to those most in need, enabling them tomaintain their services and safeguard Irelands social fabric.In Northern Ireland huge progress has been made. This year, Queen Elizabeth II shook the hand of Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness. This was an event that was unthinkable up until very recently. It is a wonderful symbol of how the two traditions are overcoming centuries of enmity and are crafting a new andshared society together.In fact, Northern Ireland presents an exemplar for the world in conflict resolution. However, its key lesson is that peace building is a tortuously slow exercise and the Norths Peace Process remains a work inprogress. While Northern Ireland may no longer be headline news, which is a good thing, we must not forgetthat divisions persist. We remain focused on that unfinished business and on working to ensure gaps betweenthe two communities are closed. So please, rest assured and allow me to thank you for the fact that you are meeting need where it is neededmost. You are doing so with exceptional generosity. I am proud of the charities we are funding together acrossIreland and in Irish communities around the globe. Your extraordinary response to our Promising IrelandCampaign is a testament to your generosity and pride. The fact that we reached our initial Campaign goal a year and a half early and that we have now increased it by 40% will ensure that, through you, we are making animpact when it counts most.Thank you for all you do to help and support the Irish as they rebuild their economy and society, Northand South.Kind regards,Loretta Brennan GlucksmanChairmanThe American Ireland Fundconnect2012 | 3'