AROUND THE WORLD DUBLIN connect 2018 • 82 November, 2017 The Annual Ireland Funds Jaguar Lunch took place in the newly-opened Garden Room at The Merrion Hotel and was attended by a capacity crowd of 105 women representing the business and philanthropy sectors. The event raised funds and awareness for the work of The Ireland Funds. Two outstanding organizations supported by The Ireland Funds were highlighted for their important work in the nonprofit sector: Blossom Ireland, an organization that serves chil- dren and their families with intellectual disabilities by provid- ing fun, affordable, innovative activities and Early Learning Initiative, an organization that works with communities in areas of greatest need to provide parent and child learning support programs. Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman Emeritus of The Ireland Funds America, presented a Waterford Crystal bowl to the Honoree, Ireland’s Ambassador to France Patricia O’Brien. Ambassador O’Brien spoke about her extensive legal career and role as Ambassador of Ireland to the UN and other international organizations before taking up the position as Irish Ambassador to France in August 2017. Those who attended included Fionnuala Kenny, actress Amy Huberman, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Professor Mary Horgan and Country President Sodexo Ireland Margot Slattery. The event was chaired once again by Louise Kennedy and The Ireland Funds Board Members, Caroline Kennedy and Emer Gilvarry. The Ireland Funds / Jaguar Women’s Lunch 1 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 1 Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Amy Huberman 2 Sandra and Amy Huberman 3 Caitriona Fottrell 4 Aoife Beirne, Fiona Heffernan 5 Catherine Burke-Kennedy, Alison Quinn 6 Amb. Patricia O’Brien, Loretta Brennan Glucksman 7 Mary McGrath, Mary Horgan  8 Daire Higgins, Rachel Lysaght, Melissa Moore, Amy Huberman, Sandra Huberman, Melanie McCourt Photos: Mark Stedman