The 24th annual Dallas Shamrock Shootout was hosted by Kevin Curley, longtime supporter and a Board Member of The Ireland Funds America. It was a beautiful day as the players made their way through the greens of The Tribute. Many of the players insisted it has been the best Shootout ever. The overall winning team of John Padian, Connor Padian, Bobby Spence and Stan Spence were honored at the dinner and award ceremony which immediately followed. It was a perfect beginning to the weekend of Ireland Funds’ activities: the WineGeese Society induction of the Maze Winery and the 5th Annual Texas Emerald Ball. The Shamrock Shootout has raised over $1 million dollars since its inception twenty-four years ago. A portion of the proceeds have been directed to The Ireland Funds with a specific focus on integrated education in Northern Ireland. Dallas Shamrock Shootout SEPTEMBER, 2017 The Ireland Funds GOLF Events 1 Kevin Curley 2 Richard Aric, Tom Merrill, John Sanner, Tom Mckeown 3 Brian Small, Greg Boots, John Powter The New Jersey Golf Classic was held at the picturesque Bayonne Golf Club. The Ireland Funds America Chairman Emeritus Loretta Brennan Glucksman introduced John Sharkey, who received The Ireland Funds’ Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding phi- lanthropy. The Ireland Funds America Vice President of Development Kyle Clifford introduced honoree Gerry Boyle, who thanked The Ireland Funds for the honor and spoke about his role as Chairman of the Irish Arts Center Board and the Center’s new building going up in 2018 which is supported in part by The Ireland Funds. New York Director Pat Tully then led a fun live auction, which included a trip to play in the RORY Foundation Pro-Am in Ireland. Co-Chairs Matthew McBride and Patrick Leahy then thanked the Golf Committee and sponsors and handed out the golf awards. Special thanks to presenting sponsors: BMW and Delta Airlines and to Patron Bob McCann. New Jersey Golf Classic SEPTEMBER, 2017 Philadelphia Golf Classic OCTOBER, 2017 Philadelphia Golf Classic Philadelphia supporters came out for a great day of golf, camaraderie and fundraising for The Ireland Funds at the stunning Philadelphia Cricket Club. Supporters enjoyed gift bags from Peter Millar while mingling with Congressman Pat Meehan of Pennsylvania and Congressman Tom Rooney of Florida. After welcome remarks from Pat Tully, the golfers headed out for a challenging day on one of the oldest courses in the United States. Following a cocktail reception with Pennsylvania Congressmen Brendan Boyle and Brian Fitzpatrick, the guests sat for dinner and heard from Sean McMenamin of the Commodore Barry Center about the plans the center has to further their commitment to the Philadelphia Irish-American Community. Special thanks to presenting sponsor Duane Morris and The Ireland Funds America Board Member, Mike Gallagher. 1 John Sharkey, Loretta Brennan Glucksman 2 The NJ Golf Committee 3 Karl Anoushian, Ernie Kneuer, Gerry Boyle, Jeff Matos Photos : Jim Higgins 1 Patty Rooney, John Gallagher, John Nolan, Una Mullen 2 Mike Gallagher, Bob Petit, Steve Burns, John McCrudden 3 Cong. Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Nolan, Cong. Brendan Boyle, Pat Tully Photos: Kate Bennett connect 2018 • 56 1 2 3 1 1 2 2 3 3