connect 2018 • 78 AROUND THE WORLD LOS ANGELES July, 2017 A summer’s evening welcomed Robert O’Driscoll, the new Consul General of Ireland to the West Coast, and his wife Caoimhe Ni Chonchoille to LA. The intimate dinner was attended by The Ireland Funds America National Board Director Harry Hartford and Regional Advisory Committee MemberAlanHearty,aswellasEmmy-nominatedIrishactressand producer Roma Downey (Touched By An Angel, The Bible), Keith Ennis, Chris O’Dowd the Emmy-winning writer (Moone Boy) and Tony-nominated actor (Of Mice and Men), Disney’s Una Fox, noted Irish philanthropists and entrepreneurs Danielle Ryan and Richard Bourke, Electus COO Drew Buckley, Vice Media’s Niall Cooney and A&E Networks’ Mark Tuohy. The Ireland Funds LA VP for Development Jonathan Loughran spoke about his recent visit to Ireland for The Ireland Funds’ Annual Conference and the impact its generous donors continue to have on vital projects in Ireland. August, 2017 Ireland Funds America Board Director Harry Hartford and his wife Susan hosted the annual beach party at the exclusive Beach Club in Santa Monica, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 130 guests enjoyed cocktails and live music during the reception on the terrace before dinner. Families gathered together, catching up with stories of summer fun. The Hartfords were welcomed by The Ireland Funds America VP for Development Marjorie Muldowney, along with Gavin O’Reilly, son of Ireland Funds co-founder Tony O’Reilly, attending with his wife Christina and their children. Also present were LA VP for Development Jonathan Loughran and Los Angeles Regional Advisory Committee members, Peter Culhane, Matthew Doran, Kaitlyn Kyle, and Conor Shalloe. Los Angeles Welcome Dinner for Consul General Robert O’Driscoll Los Angeles The Beach Party 1 1 2 2 3 3 1 Caoimhe Ní Chonchoille, Roma Downey, Consul General Robert O’Driscoll, Chris O’Dowd 2 Guests gather to welcome Consul General Robert O’Driscoll 3 Chris O’Dowd, Roma Downey 1 Harry Hartford, Marjorie Muldowney 2 Gavin & Christina O’Reilly, Alanna O’Reilly and family 3 Conor Shalloe, Tom Flannery, Harry Hartford Photos: Elaine Lee