b'ConnectSPRING / SUMMER2 0 1 3Dear Friends,Ireland is going through perhaps the most dramatic economic adjustment of any developed nation. Afterseveral years of austerity, stability is being achieved and the longed for green shoots are beginning toappear. The Irish are determined not to spend nor tax their way out of their current crisis, but to tradetheir way through.Throughout, the Irish have shown extraordinary resilience and determination to overcome the worst economic period in the countrys independent life. However, great hardship and distress remain. A contraction of the magnitude experience in Ireland cannot occur without affecting lives directly. Thisis where your generosity to The Ireland Funds is as important as never before. You are supporting thosewho are maintaining the social fabric of Ireland at this difficult time of transition. You are helping themto not only provide material support but psychological and social assistance as well. We are proud to showyou the impact of that work in this issue of Connectmagazine.In December 2012, we had the high honor of recognizing US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton withour Lifetime Achievement Award for her devotion to the cause of peace in Northern Ireland. Around thetime of her visit, protests erupted over the issue of flags and identity. The juxtaposing of both events showsthat, whereas the Northern Ireland Peace Process remains the most resilient and successful in the world,it is still a work in progress. Support and attention are required to ensure that Northern Ireland is freedfrom the prejudice of the past. Again you are doing this through your support of outstanding projectswhich you will read about here.We are taken aback and most grateful to you for the extraordinary success of the Promising IrelandCampaign. So far, we have maintained our goal of raising $1 million a month towards our revised targetof $140 million. This is a tremendous tribute to your decency, ongoing concern and belief in Ireland. You are playing a crucial role in Irelands recovery. For that, deepest congratulations and thanks.Kind regards,Kieran McLoughlinPresident and CEOThe Worldwide Ireland Fundsconnect 2013 | 5'