b'DAY ONESeeing the Impact of the Promising Ireland CampaignA welcome lunch was held at Castlemartyr as the first official event. Supporters were welcomed by President &CEOKieranMcLoughlinwhogaveanoverviewofthe importance of the Promising IrelandCampaign and the op-portunities supporters would have over the next few daysto hear of its impact on over 350 outstanding projects andorganizations. Supporters then fanned out in groups andwere welcomed to the Glucksman Gallery at University CollegeCork,IrishGuideDogsfortheBlind,Music Generation Cork, NASCthe Irish Immigration Centre,Rebel Wheelers, and Irish Dogs for the Disabled. Thegroups had diverse hands-on experiences ranging from aninspirational musical performance at Music Generationwhere Cillian, a young man with cerebral palsy, debuted apiece he had meticulously written with his eye movements,toagameofwheelchairrugbywithbeneficiariesat Rebel Wheelersa multi-sport club in Cork for children1Even if the era of the Celtic Tiger is over, something new is being born. It will be bigger and better if it is done right. Thegovernments job is to try to help the private sector, and organizations like The American Ireland Fund, work together tobeat the historical clock. Ireland has one of the best education systems in the world, one of the best developed informationtechnology systems, a good business climateand the youngest workforce in Europe.Former US President Bill Clinton addressingThe Worldwide Ireland Funds Annual Conferencewith disabilities. RTE television covered the afternoon visitat Music Generation. All of the projects were delighted tohave the chance to thank donors and supporters in personfor their support of the Promising IrelandCampaign.The group reconvened later in the evening for theopening dinner which was hosted by Irish Riverdance starMichael Flatley and his wife Niamh at their home, Castle-hyde. Guests were greeted at the door by Michael and Niamhand enjoyed dinner punctuated by the presentation of aPittsburgh Steelers-signed football from US AmbassadorDan Rooney. Michael and Niamh were inducted as honorarymembers of The Ireland Funds WineGeese Society. Theirextraordinary hospitality set the standard and the tone forthe rest of the conference.2connect2012 | 62'