b'ConnectSPRING/SUMMER2 0 1 2Dear Friends and Supporters,Never has the mission of The Ireland Funds been as vital as it is now. The Irish are stepping up and meeting thechallenge of the worst economic phase in recent history. Irelands economic fortunes will be restored. As hasbeen said, the era of the Celtic Tiger may have passed but the era of the Celtic Comeback has arrived. Nonetheless, the not-for-profit sector in Ireland is working intensely to meet increased demand and to main-tain Irelands social fabric at a time of decreasing resources. This is where The Ireland Funds are of such relevancein transferring the care of Irelands diaspora to support their work.Your response has been spectacular. At the end of 2011, our Promising IrelandCampaign was a full year aheadof its fundraising target.This is a remarkable tribute to you and your fellow donors in such a difficult economicperiod.Your generosity is making a profound difference on the ground in Ireland. On page 7, you will see the names of just some of the over 200 organizations the Promising Ireland Campaignhas helped so far. The stories in this issue of Connect bring you some of those men and women who extend theirthanks and are examples of the change you have delivered. Yet so much more remains to be done. As well as delivering for Ireland, the Fund is growing with increased activities around the world and especially among our Young Leaders who recently gathered in NYC for their first International Summit. It is inspiring that these young people are willing to commit such time and generosity to the future of this great organization. So for all your decency, generosity, commitment, and care, may I thank you so much. You are ensuring that we keep our promise to Ireland.Kind regards,Kieran McLoughlinPresident and CEOThe Worldwide Ireland Fundsconnect 2012 | 5'