b"ARoUND ThE WoRLD THE AMERICAN IRELAND FUND ChICAgo1 2354Chicago Leadership Forum with President HigginsMAy, 2014 The Chicago Advisory Board of The American Ireland Fund together with National Board Member and 1 Christopher Monkhouse, Marty Fahey, Patricia O'Brien, Regional Advisory Chair, Tom Meagher, Jr. were privileged to host the President of Ireland Michael D. higgins at a President Michael D. Higgins, private Leadership Forum breakfast for Ireland Fund supporters held at the Chicago Club. Kieran McLoughlin,Sabina Higgins2 Patrick Canning, President President and CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds, welcomed the President and Mrs. higgins. Special guest, Michael D. Higgins, Ambassador Anne Anderson, gave the introduction. Over 60 of Chicagos top business leaders listened as President Sabina Higgins, John Gibbons3 President Michael D. HigginsHiggins spoke of the current economic conditions in Ireland and the philanthropic support of Irelands diaspora in the4 Amb. Anne AndersonUnited States. The President closed the event saying, The American Ireland Fund is a further exemplar of those5 Diane Meagher, President Michael D. Higgins, values of openness, generosity and hospitality. You are recognised as one of the most dynamic and successful Sabina Higgins, Tom Meagherdiaspora and philanthropic organisations in the world. We are proud of the work you do and thank you for doing it. It ismaking a real difference to the lives of people on the ground, many of whom are still feeling the effects of the financial crisis which afflicted us in recent years. I want you to know that your work is deeply appreciated at home in Ireland.connect2014 | 84"