b'AROUND THE WORLD | THE AMERICAN IRELAND FUND | WASHINGTON D.C.1 2Washington DC 21st National GalaMARCH, 2013 Over 750 influential American and Irish political and corporate leaders gathered at the National 1 President and CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds Building Museum to honor US Senator Patrick Toomey (R-PA) and US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) as they wereKieran McLoughlin welcomes presented with the 2013 American Ireland Fund Leadership Award. In addition, Ambassador Daniel Rooney (former An Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Background center: United States Ambassador to Ireland) and Ambassador Michael Collins (Ambassador of Ireland to the United States)An Tanaiste Eamon Gilmorereceived The American Ireland Fund Public Service Award for their contributions to Ireland and Irish-America. Gala 2 The National Building Museum3 An Taoiseach Enda Kenny with Chair Mark H. Tuohey and Honorary Chairs of the Gala: Sir Peter Westmacott, British Ambassador to US; Hon. Peter T.Sen. Patrick Leahy and King and Hon. Richard E. Neal ensured evening was a highlight of the DC St. Patricks Day season. Margaret Brennan, Ambassador Michael Collins4 Gala Chair Mark Tuohey and CBS News correspondent, served as the evenings emcee.Kieran McLoughlin, President& CEO of The Worldwide Emcee Margaret BrennanIreland Funds welcomed those gathered and outlined the many achievements of The Ireland FundsPromising Ireland 5 U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) recipient of the Campaign and the difference donors generosity was making for hundreds of Irish charities. Kieran then introduced2013 American Ireland Fund Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman of The American Ireland Fund who welcomed supporters and introduced the Leadership Award6 Gary McSharry, Anne Daly, evenings Honorary Chair and keynote speaker, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny.Megan Molloy, Joe Tully7 Loretta Brennan Glucksman, US Senator Patrick Toomey (R-PA) An Taoiseach spoke on Irelands ongoing economic recovery and went on to express deep gratitude to The recipient of the 2013 American American Ireland Fund for its commitment to the island through philanthropy and partnership. The American Ireland Ireland Fund Leadership Award, Kieran McLoughlinFund has provided extraordinary support for Ireland. Its communities and causes and above all, the cause of peace,8 Sir James Galwaysaid the Taoiseach.The evening continued with world-renowned flutist Sir James Galway taking to the stage to entertain guests with Irishmusic and stories. Ambassador Michael Collins spoke about the deep ties between Ireland and the US and noted thatThe American Ireland Fund had been there for Ireland through good times as well as difficult times. Ambassador DanRooney delivered a message by video and spoke on the history of the organization and its ongoing mission to assistIreland.The evening continued with the 2013 American Ireland Fund Leadership Awards given to US Senator PatrickToomey (R-PA) and US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) who spoke about their pride in the contributions of Irish America to society, culture and business.connect2013 | 74'