b'FALL / WINTERConnect2 0 1 4Dear Fellow Donors,Your support of The Ireland Funds across the US and in our 11 chapters around the world is magnificent. Through you we have supported some of the finest work being undertaken across Irelandto help rebuild communities and crucially support the ongoing struggle for peace in Northern Ireland.I am very proud that we hosted our Annual Conference this year in Northern Ireland for thefirsttime.Overfourdays,ourdonorsmetwithremarkablepeoplefrompoliticalleadersto ordinary citizens at grass roots level driving initiatives across the sectarian divide that bring the twocommunities together. The key lesson of Northern Ireland is the Peace Process is just that, a processnot an event, and we must remain engaged in bringing it to a successful conclusion. We certainly arefull of hope and optimism but not under any illusions as to how demanding the tasks remain.We are seeing growth all across our network, in terms of our events and activities and the generosity of our donors. It has been my privilege to attend events across the US and Ireland and to meet so many of you to thank you directly for your support. Our network is full of vitality and commitment.Most importantly, we are seeing great growth in our grant making.Over the first five years of thePromising Ireland Campaign we doubled our annual income and trebled the amount paid in grants.This is the ultimate tribute to you and your generosity. It is happening at a time when it has never been of more importance. I urge you to visit Ireland, especially as part of our next Annual Conference in June 2015, to see for yourself the impact you are having on the ground. For this, thank you and congratulations.Kind regards,John FitzpatrickChairmanThe American Ireland Fundconnect2014 | 3'