b"ConnectManaging Editor / Feature Writer The Worldwide Ireland Funds are aRachel Alabiso, editor@irlfunds.orgphilanthropic network that supportsworthy causes in Ireland and aroundthe world. Our mission is to be theContributing Editorslargest network of friends of IrelandJordan Campbell, Caitriona Fottrell, Kieran McLoughlin, Tom OLearydedicated to supporting programs of peace and reconciliation, arts andArt Direction / Designculture, education and communityHania Khuri-Trapper, Khuri Design, www.khuridesign.comdevelopment throughout the islandof Ireland. Founded in 1976, TheWorldwide Ireland Funds currentlyAdvertising Manageroperate in 12 countries and haveRachel Alabisoraised over $430 million for more All inquiries should be sent to advertising@irlfunds.orgthan 1,200 outstanding organizations.Print ManagementR.R. Donnelley W.E. Andrews PlantPhotographersElisabet Bordt MacInnes Photography Studio Feha Amy Ellis Aengus McMahon(Marie Hlne Horvais)Christian Fournier Marjorie Muldowney Can TrkyilmazRoger FarringtonMichael Mustacchi Anthony WoodsKristie Gillooly Mike Nagle Ed WrightSasha Gitin Nathanson's Photography Antonio Zazueta OlmosJim Higgins Karl Roser Lux ZuchettoOn the CoverA highlight of The 2012 Worldwide IrelandFunds Conference in Cork was the awardingof The Lifetime Achievement Award to SeamusHeaney. Mr. Heaney was the second recipientof the AWB Vincent American Ireland FundFor copies of The American Ireland Funds audited accounts, Literary Award back in 1973 and has remainedgo to www.theirelandfunds.org or contact us at 1-800-IRL-FUND. a dear friend to The Ireland Funds ever since.In June, before an audience of 250 donors and We welcome your comments about The American Ireland Fund andguests that included Taoiseach Enda KennyConnectmagazine. Please send all correspondence to the Editor.andformerUSPresidentBillClinton,Mr.Heaney thanked The Ireland Funds for their endorsement in the early days of his careerand for the difference they had made to thework of Irish writers over the past 40 years. Our deepest appreciation to the staff of The Ireland Funds for(photo: Antonio Zazueta Olmos) their ongoing assistance with Connectmagazine.connect2012 | 4"