The Ireland Funds Great Britain (IFGB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bridget Walsh as Chair of the Board of Directors, succeeding Rory Godson who has been the Chairman since 2018. Ms Walsh, who continues in her role as Global Head of Private Equity at EY, has been a committed supporter and active member of the Board of Directors since 2021. Rory will remain as a director of IFGB.
Reacting to her appointment, Ms Walsh said “The Ireland Funds has a prestigious reputation and a rich history. Rory has created a strong legacy through his enormous efforts in building an accomplished, committed and diverse board alongside his huge contribution to the ongoing success of The Ireland Funds. I am honoured to be taking on the mantle and be appointed as Chair of the Great Britain chapter in its 35th year. An anniversary such as this gives us an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements during our history but also to put in place exciting plans for the charity as we work towards growing the impact of our investment in charitable causes in Great Britain and Ireland. I am delighted to be supported by a Board that is both passionate and ambitious about our future. “
Executive Director, Katie Jemmett said, “It is fantastic to have the opportunity to work closely with Bridget, who brings a wealth of experience to the charity. I would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution that our outgoing chairman, Rory Godson, made to The Ireland Funds Great Britain during his tenure and I am delighted that he will remain on the Board”.
Rory Godson said: “I am pleased that we have such an outstanding new Chair. Bridget is a huge figure in her firm and in the wider commercial life of the UK and beyond. “I am very proud of what has been achieved over the past five years; including a significantly larger Board to enhance our fundraising and convening power; gender equality: we are the 50 per cent club, not just 30 per cent! And, with our ever-increased convening power, great events, selling out and raising money for good causes. I always think you should leave the party when you are having lots of fun, and I am delighted to hand over to Bridget and I look forward to supporting her.”
The Ireland Funds Great Britain marks its 35th anniversary in 2023, having been established in 1988 by Sir Anthony O’Reilly and Dan Rooney. The charity raises funds through events and donations from the Irish diaspora in Britain and makes grants to charities across Great Britain and Ireland under four key pillars: Community Development, Education, Peace and Arts and Culture.
Board of Directors
Bridget Walsh (Chair)
Eoin Bastible
Emily Bohill
Evelyn Bourke
Ruairi Conneely
John Feeney
Emer Finnan
Rory Godson
Garrett Hayes
Conor Hillery
Rachel Naughton
Sue O’Brien
Declan Tiernan
Zachary Webb
Susan Whelan
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Notes for Editors
About The Ireland Funds
The Ireland Funds was established in 1976 and the Great Britain chapter in 1988. Its mission is to harness the power of a global philanthropic network of friends of Ireland to promote and support peace, culture, education and community development across the island of Ireland and among Irish communities around the world.
Further information:
Katie Jemmett
Director GB, The Ireland Funds
Email: kjemmett@irelandfunds.org, Tel: 00 44 7597 665646
Charity Registration No. 327889
Release date: 14 November 2023
