b"43There is magnificence in all this. The aim of magnificence, Aristotle says, is like the aim of any other virtue: it is beautiful action. It is exercised not for the glorification of the magnificent person who gives it, but for the good of public things, so that even the private giftshave a resemblance to a votive offering. I think that sense of a votive offering for something beyond, distinguishes everything that hasbeen done by The Ireland Funds. It distinguishes everything they aspire to. Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Awardon the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of The AWB American Ireland Fund Literary Award given at The Worldwide Ireland Funds Annual ConferenceWhat a great conference, the best ever. It issoeasytoreturnhomehavingenjoyed ourselves and then suddenly realize we arebeing invited to next year's conference.In themeantime, we can all be ambassadors. Now itis our turn to reach out and spread the wordof the needs of Ireland in its endeavors to getback on its feet. There are so many ways inwhich you can promote The Ireland Fundsand the Irish in general. Keep the flame of thelast few days alive and let us speed up our5 promise to Ireland.Pauline RyanOur experience in Ireland was a trip of a lifetime. Many, many thanks.Tom & Missy ONeill6 7connect2012 | 63"